Madhavi Gaur
October 03, 2023 04:01
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Explore the crucial concept of "one nation, one election" in light of the possible connection between the March-April elections in four states and one Union territory.
One Nation One Election: Given the potential link between the March-April elections in four states and one Union territory and the second wave of Covid infections, a thoughtful discussion on the significant concept of “one nation, one election” is imperative.
The debate should center around five crucial issues: the financial costs associated with conducting elections, the repeated administrative freezes, both visible and invisible costs of frequently deploying security forces, the campaign and finance costs incurred by political parties, and the concern of ensuring a level playing field for regional/smaller parties.
‘One Nation, One Election’ proposes simultaneous elections across the country, wherein elections for the Lok Sabha and all state assemblies would occur concurrently. Currently, these elections are held separately after the five-year term of the incumbent government ends or if it dissolves for various reasons.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has long championed the concept of One Nation, One Election. It was a key element in the Bharatiya Janata Party’s 2014 Lok Sabha Polls manifesto.
Proponents argue that this approach would reduce the overall expenditure associated with the electoral process. The frequent occurrence of elections in different states leads to substantial costs for the Election Commission of India (ECI) and candidates.
Advocates also contend that One Nation One Election could enhance administrative efficiency. Currently, during elections, the entire state machinery is dedicated to ensuring a fair electoral process, affecting day-to-day administration. Simultaneous elections may increase voter turnout, providing greater convenience for the electorate.
This concept is expected to introduce consistency and continuity in the policies and programs of both the Central government and states. The enforcement of the model code of conduct during Lok Sabha polls restricts states from launching new projects or schemes until the conclusion of the elections.
The primary hurdle facing the implementation of ‘One Nation One Election’ is synchronizing the terms of various state legislative assemblies with that of the Lok Sabha. Ambiguity persists regarding how to handle situations like midterm polls or the imposition of President’s rule if a party fails to secure a majority.
Regional political parties argue that simultaneous elections would undermine their influence by diminishing the focus on local issues. Additionally, they express concerns about their ability to compete with national parties in terms of financial resources and election strategies.
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