Here's Why 'One Nation, One Election' Might Not Come Into Effect Before 2034 | Explained

The Union Cabinet has approved two crucial bills aimed at implementing simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies, a move that could transform India's electoral system.

These bills will be introduced in Parliament during the Winter Session, and if passed without modifications, the 'One Nation, One Election' initiative could be enacted from 2034, reported the Mint.

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This initiative is part of the "One Nation, One Election" proposal that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has championed since 2014. The bills are based on recommendations from a high-level committee chaired by former President Ram Nath Kovind.

Timeline for Implementation of One Nation, One Election

If the bills pass through Parliament without amendments, the first simultaneous Lok Sabha and state assembly elections could occur as early as 2034.

As per the Kovind committee's report, the President of India will declare an "appointed date" during the first sitting of the Lok Sabha following a general election. The terms of state assemblies elected after this appointed date would be shortened to coincide with the full term of the Lok Sabha.

If both bills are passed as they stand, the "appointed date" mentioned by the Kovind committee would only be notified during the first sitting of the 2029-elected Lok Sabha.

As the first sitting of the Lok Sabha elected this year has already occurred, the full term of the next Lok Sabha would extend until 2034. This means that any state assembly elections held after this period would have their terms adjusted to end simultaneously with the Lok Sabha's term.

Electoral Logistics and Challenges of One Nation, One Election

The Election Commission of India (ECI) will play a pivotal role in executing this plan. A senior official informed The Indian Express that building political consensus and passing the bills is just the beginning; considerable logistical planning will follow.

"The Commission will need to place orders for new Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) to facilitate simultaneous voting for assemblies and the Lok Sabha, which will require significant lead time," the official explained.

The ECI estimates it will take approximately two-and-a-half to three years to double the number of EVMs required for simultaneous elections. Procurement of essential components could take seven to eight months, and manufacturers such as ECIL and BEL will need time to scale up production.

"The Commission would need up to three years to increase the number of EVMs for simultaneous elections. Procurement of chips and other materials alone will take seven to eight months, and manufacturers like ECIL and BEL need time to ramp up production," the official added.

Tight Timeline for One Nation, One Election

Even if political consensus is reached and the bills are passed by late 2025 or early 2026, the Election Commission will face a challenging timeline to prepare for simultaneous elections in 2029. The official noted, "That timeline would be very tight, even if the bills are passed within a year."