The concept of ‘One Nation, One Election' has been a topic of discussion and debate in Indian politics for some time. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Bharatiya Janata Party have long championed this idea, and it has gained momentum in recent years. Simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies aim to reduce costs, enhance administrative efficiency, and ensure continuity in governance. However, the idea comes with its set of challenges, including the need for constitutional amendments and concerns about the impact on regional parties. In this article, we will explore the positives and negatives of this transformative idea.
The Positives:
-
Cost Reduction: One of the most significant advantages of ‘One Nation, One Election‘ is the potential reduction in costs associated with separate elections. The 2019 Lok Sabha elections alone incurred an estimated Rs. 60,000 crore. Conducting elections simultaneously could save substantial financial resources.
-
Administrative Efficiency: During elections, the entire state machinery is often dedicated to ensuring a fair electoral process, affecting daily administration. Simultaneous elections could enhance administrative efficiency by reducing these disruptions and allowing the government to focus on governance.
-
Continuity in Governance: The enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct during elections restricts states from launching new projects or schemes until the conclusion of the elections. Simultaneous elections could ensure continuity in the policies and programs of both the central and state governments, avoiding disruptions caused by election periods.
-
Increased Voter Turnout: The Law Commission suggests that holding simultaneous elections could boost voter turnout as it would be more convenient for voters to cast their votes at once, potentially increasing participation in the democratic process.
The Drawbacks:
-
Constitutional Amendments: Implementing simultaneous elections would require constitutional amendments to synchronize the terms of state legislative assemblies with that of the Lok Sabha. Amendments to the Representation of the People Act and other parliamentary procedures would also be necessary, making it a complex and time-consuming process.
-
Impact on Regional Parties: Regional parties express concerns that they might struggle to prioritize local issues as national issues take center stage during simultaneous elections. They may also face challenges in competing with national parties in terms of election expenditure and strategy, potentially diminishing their influence.
-
Voter Choice Dynamics: A study by the IDFC Institute in 2015 suggests that simultaneous elections could influence voter behavior, with a higher likelihood of voters choosing the same winning political party or alliance in both state assembly and Lok Sabha elections, potentially limiting diversity in representation.
-
Federalism Concerns: There are apprehensions about the impact of simultaneous elections on the country's federal structure. Critics argue that this could centralize power and weaken the autonomy of states.
Support and Opposition:
Support for ‘One Nation, One Election' comes from historical precedence, the BJP's inclusion of the idea in its 2014 Lok Sabha election manifesto, and the push by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Niti Aayog. However, opposition leaders, including the AAP and parties like Shiv Sena, AAP, RJD, JD(U), and SP, have voiced their opposition, deeming it unconstitutional and contrary to democratic principles.
Current Status and Challenges:
The central government is considering introducing the ‘One Nation, One Election' bill during the special session of Parliament in September 2023. Opposition parties continue to express their reservations and opposition to the proposed legislation. The primary hurdle facing implementation is synchronizing the terms of various state legislative assemblies with that of the Lok Sabha, along with addressing concerns raised by regional political parties.
Conclusion:
The concept of ‘One Nation, One Election' presents a transformative idea for Indian democracy. While it has the potential to reduce costs and administrative disruptions, it also raises constitutional and federalism concerns and could impact regional parties' influence. As the debate continues, it is imperative to carefully weigh the positives and negatives to ensure the best interests of the Indian democratic system and its diverse electorate.
