Exploring the Pros and Cons of “One Nation One Election” in India

One Nation One Election : In a significant development that signals the government’s intent to re-examine India’s electoral process, former President Ram Nath Kovind has been appointed to lead a committee, PTI reported on September 1 citing sources. The group’s main objective is to investigate the feasibility of implementing “One Nation One Election,” a concept heavily advocated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Speculation has heightened about a possible rescheduling of electoral timelines, both for the Lok Sabha and various state assemblies. This comes on the heels of an upcoming special session of Parliament, slated for September 18-22. Although the agenda for this meeting is yet to be disclosed, political pundits are pondering whether it will revolve around this hot topic.

The Need for Synchronized Elections

The committee’s formation arrives just as five states are bracing for assembly elections in the coming November and December. These will precede the Lok Sabha elections, initially expected in May-June 2024. The recent moves indicate the government might be contemplating advancing some of these elections to coincide with the Lok Sabha polls.

PM Modi has been an ardent supporter of unifying the electoral cycles for both the Lok Sabha and state assemblies. The decision to nominate Kovind to spearhead the exploratory committee is seen as a confirmation of the government’s earnestness to bring this concept to fruition. This could be especially pertinent as a series of elections are in the pipeline.

Understanding “One Nation One Election”

The concept of “One Nation, One Election” in India aims to synchronize 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.

‘One Nation One Election’ Advantages

One of the primary benefits is the reduction in the cost of conducting elections. Separate elections require significant financial resources. Simultaneous elections would ease the burden on administrative and security forces, who otherwise are engaged multiple times in election duties. The government can focus more on governance rather than being in a perpetual election mode, which often hampers policy implementation.

Constitutional and Practical Challenges

To implement this, changes would be required in the Constitution and other legal frameworks. Also, there is a concern that regional issues might get overshadowed by national issues, affecting the electoral outcome at the state level. Achieving agreement among all political parties is a significant hurdle as well.

Looking Ahead: The Potential Impact

The concept of “One Nation, One Election” has sparked debates across the political spectrum. Advocates believe it could bring stability to the political landscape, reduce election-related expenses, and improve governance. However, critics argue that regional concerns might be sidelined, and achieving consensus among diverse parties could be challenging.

Conclusion

The appointment of Ram Nath Kovind to lead the committee exploring the feasibility of “One Nation One Election” reflects the government’s determination to reevaluate India’s electoral process. As discussions continue, it remains to be seen whether this concept will reshape the country’s electoral landscape or face obstacles that hinder its implementation.

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