The concept of “Simultaneous Elections“ in India suggests holding parliamentary and state assembly elections at the same time every five years. This idea aims to streamline the electoral process and reduce the frequency of elections. Proposed by the Law Commission in 1999, it has been the subject of discussion due to its potential benefits and challenges. A High-Level Committee has been formed to examine this proposal and provide recommendations.
One Nation, One Election: Evaluating the Proposal for Simultaneous Elections in India
Concept of Simultaneous Elections in India
- “Simultaneous Election” is a concept which proposes holding elections in India i.e. parliamentary, and state assembly , simultaneously, once every five years.
- Objective: Therefore, this idea is to synchronise the electoral timing of elections to the Lok Sabha and State Assembly.
- Advocacy by the Law Commission: Idea for conducting Simultaneous Elections was advocated in 1999 by the Law Commission headed by BP Jeevan Reddy.
- Formation of High-Level Committee: The High-Level Committee is constituted by the Government under the chairpersonship of Shri Ram Nath Kovind former President of India to examine the issues relating to holding of simultaneous elections in the country and make recommendations
Historical Background and Present Context for One Election
- Historical Practice: This concept was practised till 1967, but it was disrupted due to reasons such as defections, dismissals, and dissolutions of government.
- The cycle was first broken when the Centre invoked Article 356 to dismiss the then-Kerala government in 1959.
- Impact of Legislative Assembly Dissolutions: Thereafter, several Legislative Assemblies were dissolved post-1960 leading to separate polls for Lok Sabha and State Assemblies.
- Current Situations: At present, the assembly polls in the States of Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Andhra Pradesh and Odisha are held together with the Lok Sabha elections.
Constitutional Provisions
Supporting Arguments of One Election
| Engagement of Security Forces |
- Frequent deployment of security forces for elections hampers their efficiency.
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| Cost Savings |
- By conducting elections simultaneously,it helps to reduce the cost savings for both the government and political parties,
- Resources such as manpower, security, and finances can be optimised.
- It has been audited that during 2019 Lok Sabha Elections, Rs 60,000 Crores were spent, the expenses incurred by the Election Commission can be reduced if elections are held simultaneously.
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| Efficient Use of Resources |
- This will create more efficient use of election machinery and resources, as they wouldn’t need to be mobilised for elections as frequently.
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| Enhanced Voter Turnout |
- It could lead to higher voter turnout, as voters would be required to participate in elections only once every five years.
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Arguments Against One Elections
| Constitutional and Legal Issues |
- It will require amendments to the Constitution and various electoral laws, and it could impact the federal structure of the country.
- The Law Commission headed by Justice B. S. Chauhan reported that simultaneous elections are not feasible within the existing framework of the Constitution due to factors such as
- The Representation of the People Act 1951 and the Rules of Procedure of Lok Sabha and State Assemblies would require appropriate amendments to conduct simultaneous polls.
- To receive ratification under Article 368 from at least 50% of the States may not be an easy peasy task.
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| Potential Dominance of National Issues |
- It could result in dominance of national issues, and will overshadow local concerns and regional dynamics in state and local elections.
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| Feasibility |
- As per Article 83(2) and 172 of the Constitution it stipulates that the tenure of Lok Sabha and State Assemblies respectively will last for five years unless dissolved earlier.
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| Logistical Challenges |
- Simultaneously coordinating and conducting elections across the country poses significant logistical challenges for the vast and diverse geography of India.
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| Reduction in Political Accountability |
- There would be fewer opportunities for voters to express their approval or disapproval.
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| Challenge to Cooperative Federalism |
- It poses the challenge for the principle of cooperative federalism by potentially concentrating power at the national level.
- It will challenge the notion that the entire nation is “one” which contradicts Article 1 which envisages India as a “Union of States”.
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| Political Opposition |
- When national issues will take precedence, then it will disproportionately favour national parties over regional parties.
- IDFC Institute (2015)- This institute found that “a 77% chance that the winning political party or alliance will win both the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections in that state when held simultaneously” which will undermine the distinctive demand and needs of each state.
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Way Forward
- Building of Consensus: There is a need to build consensus from all national and state parties on the need for one election.
- This could be done through dialogue, consultation, and deliberation among various stakeholders.
- Investing in Infrastructure and Technology: It is required for conducting simultaneous elections, such as Electronic Voting Machines(EVM), Voter-Verified Paper Audit Trail(VVPAT).
- Adjustment with Electoral Cycles: Aligning the electoral cycles of Lok Sabha and State Assemblies by either extending or curtailing their terms.
- Establishing a Legal Framework: To deal with situations such as premature dissolution of assemblies, no-confidence motions, hung parliaments, etc., that may arise during simultaneous elections.
- Creation of Awareness among the voters: The voters should be made aware of the benefits and challenges of simultaneous elections, and be ensured that they are able to exercise their franchise without confusion or inconvenience.
Conclusion
The “One Nation, One Election” proposal is a complex issue that could significantly affect India’s democracy.
- It requires careful consideration and consensus among political parties, along with adjustments to existing laws and electoral practices.
- Engaging with voters and addressing their concerns is essential to implement this idea effectively. Further study and dialogue are needed to understand its implications for the country’s political landscape.
