In a significant move towards electoral reform, the Union Cabinet of India, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the recommendation of a panel headed by former President Ram Nath Kovind for ‘One Nation One Election’. This proposal, aimed at holding simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha (lower house of Parliament) and all state legislative assemblies, has been a topic of discussion for several years.
Prime Minister Modi hailed the decision as a crucial step towards making India’s democracy even more vibrant and participative, and commended Kovind for leading the effort and consulting a wide range of stakeholders. The Kovind-led panel submitted its report in March, ahead of the announcement of the Lok Sabha elections.
The idea of simultaneous elections is not entirely new. India held such elections between 1951 and 1967, and the Law Commission’s 170th report in 1999 suggested implementing a system of one election for the Lok Sabha and all state assemblies every five years. The 79th report of the Parliamentary Committee in 2015 further explored methods for conducting simultaneous elections in two phases.
The Kovind panel conducted extensive consultations with political parties and experts, leading to a comprehensive proposal for implementation in two phases. In the first phase, elections to the Lok Sabha and state assemblies will be held simultaneously. The second phase will see local body elections (panchayat and municipalities) synchronized with the national and state polls, taking place within 100 days of the general elections.
To ensure a streamlined process, a common electoral roll will be used for all elections, with voter ID cards prepared by the Election Commission of India (ECI) in coordination with state election authorities. The government plans to initiate detailed discussions throughout the country and establish an implementation group to oversee the transition.
Addressing the potential complications arising from a hung house (where no party secures a majority), the panel recommends holding fresh elections to constitute a new house. In the event of fresh elections for the Lok Sabha, its tenure will be limited to the unexpired term of the previous full term, and the expiration of this period will lead to its dissolution. If fresh elections are conducted for state legislative assemblies, the newly elected assembly will function until the end of the full term of the Lok Sabha, unless dissolved earlier.
The ‘One Nation One Election’ proposal has generated debate about its feasibility and potential impact. Supporters argue that it will reduce the cost and time involved in conducting multiple elections, enhance political stability, and allow for a more focused national agenda. Critics, however, express concerns about logistical challenges, the potential for political manipulation, and the possibility of hindering the functioning of state governments during election periods.
As India embarks on this ambitious electoral reform, its success will depend on careful planning, effective implementation, and the willingness of all stakeholders to work towards a unified and democratic process.
