One Nation One Election

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.

What is ‘One Nation One Election’?

‘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.

One Nation One Election Positives

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.

Cost Reduction

• • A major benefit is the potential reduction in costs associated with separate elections. The 2019 Lok Sabha elections alone incurred an estimated Rs. 60,000 crore.
  • Supporters argue that this move could enhance administrative efficiency, as normal administrative functions slow down considerably during elections.

Continuity in Governance

• • Simultaneous elections could ensure continuity in the policies and programs of both central and state governments, avoiding disruptions caused by the imposition of the Model Code of Conduct during election periods.

Increased Voter Turnout

• • The Law Commission suggests that holding simultaneous elections could boost voter turnout as it would be more convenient for voters to cast their votes at once.

One Nation One Election Drawbacks

Constitutional Amendments

• • Implementing simultaneous elections would require constitutional amendments to synchronize the terms of state legislative assemblies with that of the Lok Sabha. Amendments to the Representation of the People Act and other parliamentary procedures would also be necessary.

Impact on Regional Parties

• • Regional parties express concerns that they might struggle to prioritize local issues as national issues take center stage during simultaneous elections. They may also face challenges in competing with national parties in terms of election expenditure and strategy.

Voter Choice Dynamics

• • A study by the IDFC Institute in 2015 suggests that simultaneous elections could influence voter behavior, with a higher likelihood of voters choosing the same winning political party or alliance in both state assembly and Lok Sabha elections.

Federalism Concerns

• • There are apprehensions about the impact of simultaneous elections on the country’s federal structure.

One Nation One Election Support for the Idea

• Simultaneous elections for state assemblies and the Lok Sabha were the norm in India until 1967.
• The recent push for ‘One Nation, One Election’ came from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which included it in its 2014 Lok Sabha election manifesto to ensure stability for state governments.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised the idea in 2016, and the Niti Aayog prepared a working paper on the proposal in 2017.
• The Law Commission in 2018 indicated that at least “five Constitutional recommendations” would be needed for simultaneous elections.
• In 2019, PM Modi met with political party leaders to discuss the idea.

One Nation One Election Opposition to the Idea

• Opposition leaders, including the AAP, have opposed ‘One Nation, One Election,’ deeming it unconstitutional and contrary to democratic principles.
• Some have alleged that the BJP’s push for simultaneous elections is an attempt to replace the parliamentary system with a presidential one.
• Parties such as Shiv Sena, AAP, RJD, JD(U), and SP have expressed opposition to the idea.

One Nation One Election Current Status

• The central government is considering introducing the ‘One Nation, One Election’ bill during the special session of Parliament in September 2023.
• Opposition parties continue to express their reservations and opposition to the proposed legislation.

One Nation One Election Challenges

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.