Decoding 'One Nation, One Election': What Are The Pros And Cons Of Simultaneous Polls?

The government has formed a committee led by former President Ram Nath Kovind to examine the feasibility of 'One Nation, One Election'. This development comes just a day after Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi announced a special session of Parliament scheduled to take place from September 18 to 22, 2023.

The official agenda for the special session has not been disclosed yet, and it falls shortly after the G20 Summit. Pralhad Joshi expressed anticipation for productive discussions and debates in Parliament during this period.

The speculation surrounding the agenda for this five-day special session has grown since the announcement. Some have speculated that it may involve the dissolution of the current Parliament and the announcement of early Lok Sabha elections 2024, as reported by news agency ANI. Others in political circles are pondering whether it will center around the 'One Nation, One Election' concept.

So, what exactly is 'One Nation, One Election'?

The 'One Nation, One Election' concept in India aims to synchronise elections for the Lok Sabha (the lower house of India's Parliament) and all state assemblies. The idea is to hold these elections simultaneously, either on a single day or within a specific time frame. Prime Minister Modi has been a strong advocate of simultaneous Lok Sabha and state assembly polls over the years. The decision to assign Kovind to explore this concept reflects the government's commitment, especially as a series of elections approach. The assembly polls in five states are scheduled for November or December this year, followed by the Lok Sabha elections likely to be held in May-June 2024. However, recent government actions have raised the possibility of advancing the general elections and some state polls scheduled to coincide with the Lok Sabha contest, as reported by PTI.

History of Simultaneous Polls in India

The history of simultaneous polls in India dates back to the first general elections held in 1951-52. At that time, simultaneous elections were held for the Lok Sabha (House of the People) and all state legislative assemblies. This practice continued in the three subsequent general elections held in 1957, 1962, and 1967.

However, the cycle of simultaneous elections was disrupted in 1968 and 1969, when some state legislative assemblies were dissolved prematurely. In 1970, the Lok Sabha itself was dissolved prematurely and fresh elections were held in 1971. Since then, the practice of simultaneous elections has not been revived.

Pros of 'One Nation, One Election':

• One of the primary benefits of 'One Nation, One Election' is the reduction in the cost of conducting elections, as separate elections entail substantial financial resources.
• Simultaneous elections would ease the burden on administrative and security forces, which are frequently engaged in election duties.
• With the implementation of 'One Nation, One Election,' the government can focus more on governance instead of being in election mode, which often hampers policy implementation.
• Simultaneous elections, according to the Law Commission, could potentially increase voter turnout because it would be more convenient for people to cast multiple ballots at once, as reported by India Today.

Cons of 'One Nation, One Election':

• Implementing 'One Nation, One Election' would require changes to the Constitution and other legal frameworks. It necessitates a constitutional amendment and subsequent approval by state assemblies. While the concept was explored in the 1950s and 1960s, India now has more states and a larger population, which could complicate the process, as sources have indicated, as reported by ANI.
• There are concerns that regional issues may be overshadowed by national issues, potentially affecting the electoral outcomes at the state level.
• Gaining agreement among all political parties is a significant hurdle, as opposition parties have voiced opposition to 'One Nation, One Election.'