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Electoral reforms are crucial for improving the democratic integrity and efficiency of India’s electoral process. The “One Nation, One Election” concept, recently endorsed by the Ram Nath Kovind Committee, advocates simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies. This reform aims to reduce election-related expenditure, streamline governance, and foster political stability by synchronising electoral cycles across the country.

Need for Electoral Reforms

• Strengthening Electoral Participation: Encouraging greater voter turnout and simplifying the voter registration process is essential to fostering a more inclusive democracy.
  For example: The Goswami Committee on Electoral Reforms suggested measures to increase electoral participation, such as simplifying voter registration.
• Addressing Political Corruption: Tackling the nexus between criminals and politicians enhances voter trust and engagement while encouraging accountability among the candidates.
  For example: The Vohra Committee Report highlighted the link between criminals and politicians, calling for electoral reforms as a remedy.
• Curbing Electoral Expenditure: Limiting the rising costs of elections is crucial to ensure a level playing field and prevent undue influence on electoral outcomes by wealthy candidates or parties.
  For example: The 2nd ARC emphasised the need to curb spiralling electoral expenses to maintain the integrity of free and fair elections.
• Improving Election Integrity: Strengthening mechanisms that ensure transparency and prevent manipulation in the electoral process is vital for upholding democracy.
  For example: The Election Commission of India and the Law Commission have advocated for reforms aimed at enhancing transparency and integrity in election funding especially electoral bonds.
• Ensuring Inclusivity in Voting: Ensuring that marginalised groups have equal access to voting is critical for a truly representative democracy.
  For example: The National Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution (NCRWC) advocated for inclusive electoral practices to accommodate the needs of marginalised communities.

Significance of One Nation-One Election Principle

• Increase in GDP: Holding simultaneous elections can result in a notable increase in GDP by enhancing economic stability and efficiency.
  For example: The Kovind Committee report showed that India’s national real GDP growth with simultaneous elections would be 5 percentage points higher in the immediate next year.
• Rise in Government Expenditure: Simultaneous elections lead to an increase in public spending, particularly skewed towards capital expenditure, which promotes economic growth.
  For example: Data suggest that government expenditure rises by 67% post simultaneous elections, with a greater focus on capital investment over revenue spending, boosting long-term economic development.
• Impact on Investments: Frequent elections create uncertainty for investors, hampering long-term investment decisions, while simultaneous elections foster a more stable investment environment.
  For example: The national Gross Fixed Capital Formation to GDP ratio is estimated to be 5 percentage points higher during simultaneous election periods, encouraging sustained investment.
• Cost Efficiency: Simultaneous elections reduce the recurring costs incurred by the government, allowing savings to be allocated for other developmental purposes.
  For example: A Parliamentary panel estimated that the Election Commission spends over Rs 4,500 crore on conducting elections for the Lok Sabha and state Assemblies. Consolidating these elections would significantly reduce such expenditures.
• Enhanced Governance and Administration: The frequent enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct disrupts governance, but simultaneous elections can prevent these frequent interruptions.
  For example: During the 2024 General Elections, governance was affected for nearly three months due to the Model Code of Conduct. Simultaneous elections would help ensure the government’s smooth functioning.
• Reduced Influence of Money in Politics: Simultaneous elections can reduce the role of money in politics by limiting the frequency of election campaigns and related expenses.
  For example: The estimated expenditure for the 2024 elections is projected to be Rs 1.35 lakh crore. Conducting simultaneous elections would allow for better monitoring and control of campaign spending.
• Mitigation of Divisive Politics: The ‘One Nation-One Election’ principle can shift the focus from regional, caste-based, and communal politics to broader national issues, fostering unity.
  For example: In the 2023 Karnataka Assembly Elections, caste-based mobilisation was heavily employed by political parties. Simultaneous elections can help reduce such divisive tactics by prioritising national issues and a unified agenda.

The implementation of One Nation-One Election holds the potential to strengthen India’s democratic process, ensuring efficient governance, cost savings, and enhanced voter participation. By fostering national unity and streamlining elections, this vision aligns with India’s goal of inclusive, sustainable, and progressive development.

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