Union Cabinet Approved 'One Nation, One Election'

20-09-2024

The Union Cabinet has recently approved a proposal for simultaneous elections across India, aligning polls for the Lok Sabha, state Assemblies, and local bodies. This decision follows recommendations from a high-level committee chaired by former President Ram Nath Kovind on the "one nation, one election".

In 1951-52, 1957, 1962, and 1967, elections for both the Lok Sabha and state assemblies were held simultaneously.
However, later this sequence was broken due to premature dissolution of some assemblies, and in 1970 the Lok Sabha was also dissolved prematurely.

Background:

The high-level committee, chaired by former President Ram Nath Kovind, presented its report in March. This was a key part of the law ministry’s 100-day agenda. The ECI currently oversees Lok Sabha and assembly elections, while state election commissions handle local body elections.

Implementation Plan

1. Two-Phase Election Process:

Phase 1: Lok Sabha and state assembly elections will be conducted simultaneously.
Phase 2: Local body elections for panchayats and municipal bodies will occur within 100 days following the general elections.

2. Common Electoral Roll:

A unified electoral roll will be maintained for all elections.
Voter ID cards will be prepared by the Election Commission of India (ECI) in collaboration with state election authorities.

3. National Consultations:

The Centre will engage in detailed discussions nationwide to build consensus among political parties.
The implementation group will facilitate discussions and seek support across various forums.

Single Electoral Roll: Proposed changes include a single electoral roll for all polling within a constituency, which will also require state ratification.

Law Commission Report: The Law Commission is expected to release a report soon recommending simultaneous elections across all tiers of government starting in 2029.

Key Recommendations from the Kovind Panel:

1. Appointment of Date:

An “appointed date” will be set when Parliament meets to notify the transition.
Assemblies formed after this date will only serve until the subsequent general elections in 2029.

2. Short-Term Assembly Terms:

States holding elections after the appointed date will have shorter terms. For instance:
1. A state election in 2025 will have a four-year term until 2029.
2. A state election in 2027 will have a two-year term until 2029.

3. Fresh Elections in Special Cases:

In cases of a hung House, no-confidence motions, or similar events, fresh elections may be held for either the Lok Sabha or state assemblies.
New governments formed will only serve the unexpired term of the preceding assembly.

Constitutional Amendments

Total Recommendations: The panel suggests 18 constitutional amendments, most of which do not require state ratification but some will need parliamentary approval.
Two Amendment Bills:
1. First Bill: Introduces Article 82A for transitioning to simultaneous elections.
2. Second Bill: Introduces Article 324A, empowering the central government to legislate for parallel elections of local bodies.

Ratification Process

Parliamentary Procedures: After the introduction of the two amendment Bills, Parliament will follow the amendment procedures under Article 368.
Since only Parliament is empowered to legislate the election laws regarding Lok Sabha and assembly, the first amendment bill will not need ratification from the states.
But, matters related to polling in local bodies are under the state subject and will require the second amendment Bill to be ratified by at least half the states
Presidential Assent: After ratification, the bills will be sent to the President for assent. Upon approval, they will become acts and the implementation group will initiate changes.

Previous Recommendations on Simultaneous Elections

The concept of "one nation, one election" was initially put forth in the 1980s. In May 1999, the Law Commission, led by Justice BP Jeevan Reddy, declared in its 170th Report that "we must go back to the situation where the elections to Lok Sabha and all the Legislative Assemblies are held at once."

Law Commission: Recommended simultaneous elections for cost savings and reducing strain on administrative structures.
1999 Recommendation: Suggested holding simultaneous elections to Lok Sabha and State Assemblies to improve the electoral system.
Parliamentary Standing Committee: Proposed a practical method for conducting simultaneous elections.
NITI Aayog: Advocated for simultaneous elections to enhance governance and reduce frequent election cycles.

What are Simultaneous Elections?

Holding elections for Lok Sabha, state Assemblies, and local bodies (Municipalities and Panchayats) on the same day, allowing voters to cast their votes for all government tiers concurrently.
Historical Context: Simultaneous elections were practiced until 1967, after which political instability led to the end of this practice, resulting in frequent elections (5-6 per year).

Need for Simultaneous Elections

Cost Reduction: General elections for Lok Sabha cost approximately ₹4,000 crore; simultaneous elections could lower overall costs.
Campaign Mode: Frequent elections hinder effective policy-making due to a constant 'permanent campaign' mode.
Model Code of Conduct: Limits new scheme announcements during elections, impacting governance.
Administrative Efficiency: Reduces disruption in administrative machinery and reallocates security forces.
Social Cohesion: High-stakes elections can polarize society; fewer elections may help mitigate this.
Economic Stability: Frequent elections create uncertainty that can affect business investments and economic growth.
Voter Engagement: Reduces voter fatigue by consolidating elections into one process.

Concerns Associated with Simultaneous Elections

Federal Spirit Undermined: National parties may dominate, marginalizing regional parties that focus on local issues.
Electoral Feedback Mechanism: Conducting elections every five years could disrupt timely governance feedback.
Premature Dissolution Issues: Raises questions about whether new elections are needed in states when the Lok Sabha loses majority.
Lengthy Constitutional Amendments: Complex amendments to several articles required, which may face legislative hurdles.
Voter Engagement: Corporate media influence in simultaneous elections could overshadow local campaigning methods employed by regional parties.

Addressing Concerns Associated with Simultaneous Elections

Democratic Nature of Governance: Politicians must seek re-election, ensuring they remain accountable to their electorate.
Accountability Mechanisms: The Council of Ministers and judicial oversight provide checks on political accountability.
Corruption Control: Simultaneous elections could reduce opportunities for corruption linked to campaign financing.
International Comparisons: Other parliamentary democracies, like South Africa and Sweden, have fixed election cycles without frequent disruptions.

Conclusion

Simultaneous elections present potential benefits, such as reduced costs and improved governance. However, they also pose significant challenges, including necessary constitutional amendments and concerns about federalism. A balanced approach involving stakeholder consultations and phased implementation could effectively address these issues while realizing the advantages of concurrent elections across India.