One Nation, One Election: Former President Kovind To Chair First Meeting In Delhi Today

Former President Ram Nath Kovind is all set to chair the first meeting of 'One Nation, One Election's first official meeting in Delhi on 23rd September 2023. The committee will discuss simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha, state assemblies, municipalities, and panchayats, and make recommendations on how situations like a hung assembly or adoption of a no-confidence motion will be tackled.

Reportedly, Committee President Kovind informed the media about the meeting during the convocation ceremony of a private university.

The 'One Nation, One Election' committee will also propose a structure and a defined schedule for conducting the elections. The committee will also address procedures for engaging with stakeholders, conduct research on the topic, and prepare working papers.

Furthermore, an important recommendation likely to be put forth by the 'One Nation, One Election' committee is the proposal of a structured framework and a specified timeline for the conduct of elections.

Currently, the Election Commission of India (ECI) is responsible for overseeing separate Lok Sabha and State Assembly Elections, each operating on a distinct five-year cycle.

Notably, the committee's membership comprises prominent figures including Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Congress Lok Sabha leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, former leader of the opposition in the Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad, former chairman of the 15th Finance Commission NK Singh, former Lok Sabha general secretary Subash Kashyap, esteemed senior advocate Harish Salve, former chief vigilance commissioner Sanjay Kothari, and Minister of State (Law) Arjun Ram Meghwal.

It is noteworthy that the formation of the 'One Nation, One Election' committee and its inaugural meeting coincide with the upcoming state assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Telangana, and Mizoram later this year. These elections are also expected to set the stage for the critical Lok Sabha Elections scheduled for early next year in 2024.