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One nation, one election: Key facts about India’s electoral reform

  • Nihal Kumar
    • One nation, one election: Key facts about India’s electoral reform.

    One nation, one election: Key facts about India’s electoral reform.

    NEW DELHI: India’s democratic framework has long thrived on its vibrant electoral process, empowering citizens to actively shape governance. Since independence, the country has held over 400 elections to the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies, showcasing the Election Commission’s commitment to fairness and transparency. However, frequent and staggered elections have triggered calls for a more efficient system, reviving interest in the concept of “One Nation, One Election.”

     

     

    The proposal seeks to synchronize the Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections, allowing voters to elect representatives for both tiers of government on the same day. While the elections could still occur in phases, the approach promises to reduce logistical hurdles, cut costs, and minimize disruptions caused by repeated elections. The High-Level Committee on Simultaneous Elections, chaired by former President Ram Nath Kovind, submitted its report in 2024. On September 18, 2024, the Union Cabinet accepted its recommendations, marking a major step towards electoral reform. Supporters believe this reform will improve administrative efficiency, reduce expenditure, and ensure policy continuity, making it a transformative step for India’s democracy.

     

     

    Simultaneous elections are not a new idea. Between 1951 and 1967, Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections were held together. India’s first general elections in 1951-52 set this precedent, which continued successfully through 1957, 1962, and 1967. The cycle broke in 1968-69 when some State Assemblies dissolved prematurely. In 1970, the Fourth Lok Sabha also dissolved early, leading to fresh elections in 1971. Similarly, the Fifth Lok Sabha extended its term until 1977 due to the Emergency under Article 352. 

     

    Since then, staggered elections have become the norm, disrupting the synchronized cycle. Premature dissolutions and extensions of State Assemblies further fragmented elections, resulting in frequent voting across different states and regions.

     

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    The government of India formed the High-Level Committee on Simultaneous Elections on September 2, 2023, to explore the proposal’s feasibility. Former President Ram Nath Kovind led consultations with political parties, experts, and citizens to analyze the potential benefits and challenges. The committee received over 21,500 responses, with 80% favouring simultaneous elections. Citizens from remote areas, including Lakshadweep, Nagaland, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, actively participated. Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala, West Bengal, Gujarat, and Uttar Pradesh recorded the highest responses.

     

     

    Out of 47 political parties consulted, 32 supported the proposal, highlighting its ability to optimize resources and promote harmony. However, 15 parties raised concerns about potential anti-democratic effects and regional party marginalization. 

     

    Former Chief Justices, ex-Election Commissioners, and legal experts endorsed the concept. They emphasized the socio-economic disruptions caused by frequent elections. Business organizations like CII, FICCI, and ASSOCHAM backed the proposal, pointing to reduced economic instability and significant cost savings. 

     

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    The committee proposed amendments to Articles 82A and 324A to facilitate simultaneous elections for Lok Sabha, State Assemblies, and local bodies. It recommended a two-phase rollout: first, synchronizing elections for Lok Sabha and State Assemblies, and second, aligning elections for Municipalities and Panchayats within 100 days of the Lok Sabha and Assembly polls. To reduce errors and duplication, the committee suggested creating a Single Electoral Roll and Single EPIC (Electors Photo Identification Card) for all levels of government.

     

    The committee outlined several compelling benefits of implementing simultaneous elections. Frequent elections compel leaders to focus on campaigns instead of governance. Simultaneous elections would allow governments to prioritize development and welfare policies. The Model Code of Conduct, enforced during elections, halts administrative activities and delays key welfare schemes. Simultaneous polls would minimize these disruptions. Elections demand significant manpower, including security personnel and polling officials. Synchronizing elections would free up these resources for their core duties. Despite concerns, simultaneous elections would give regional parties a platform to highlight local issues without being overshadowed by national campaigns. Simultaneous elections would create a more inclusive political environment, allowing a diverse range of leaders to emerge. Frequent elections drain resources for security, logistics, and manpower. Simultaneous polls would significantly reduce costs and ensure better fiscal management.

     

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    The High-Level Committee on Simultaneous Elections, led by Ram Nath Kovind, has presented a strong case for reforming India’s electoral process. By aligning Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections, the recommendations aim to address governance disruptions, resource wastage, and financial strain caused by frequent polls. With public and political support, this transformative proposal holds the potential to streamline India’s democracy, enhance governance efficiency, and promote economic stability. As India takes steps toward this reform, achieving national consensus and ensuring meticulous implementation will be crucial to realizing the vision of “One Nation, One Election.”

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