One Nation One Election bill is a bold and ambitious piece of legislation introduced in the Indian Parliament by the Modi government. This proposal seeks to synchronize elections for the central and state governments, aiming to streamline the electoral process, reduce costs, and enhance efficiency. A committee was formed under the leadership of former President Ram Nath Kovind to assess the feasibility of implementing the One Nation One Election concept. The committee’s task was to thoroughly examine the potential challenges and benefits of synchronizing elections across India, including constitutional, legal and logistical considerations.
What is One Nation One Election?
One Nation One Election initiative is a proposal currently being examined by the Government of India. It aims to align all elections across the country, either by holding them on a single day or within a defined time period. The goal of this proposal is to create a unified electoral system that can improve governance, reduce the financial burden of multiple elections, and ensure greater efficiency in the electoral process. The Bill was presented in the Lok Sabha, the Lower House of the Indian Parliament, on 17th December 2024.
Historical Background of One Nation One Election
The concept of One Nation One Election is not new to India. After gaining independence, elections for both the central and state governments were held simultaneously. This practice was not a one-time occurrence but was followed consistently in the years 1952, 1957, 1962, and 1967. It was only later that the election cycles became spread out due to various political and logistical challenges.
Challenges of One Nation One Election Bill
1. Federalism – Federalism in India means that each state has its own unique set of issues and priorities, making it a challenge for the “One Nation, One Election” proposal. Synchronizing these elections could overshadow regional issues, and a one-size-fits-all approach may not cater to the diverse needs of each state.
2. Campaigning – Political parties may face difficulties in focusing on both national and local issues simultaneously during campaigns. The possibility of national issues dominating could reduce the emphasis on important state-specific concerns.
3. Voter Confusion – Holding simultaneous elections could lead to voter confusion, especially with multiple sets of candidates and distinct issues being decided at the same time.
4. Constitutional Changes – To hold elections for both the central and state governments at the same time, major changes would be needed in the Indian Constitution. This would include altering rules about how long legislative assemblies last and the responsibilities of the Election Commission. Constitutional amendment may require in article 83, 85, 172, 174 and 356.
5. Collaboration Among Various Agencies – Election Commission of India would have to work with many state and central agencies, security teams, and other departments to organize elections at the same time. This could lead to delays and administrative problems.
6. Benefit to National Parties – National political parties are likely to gain from the One Nation One Election concept. With synchronized elections, these parties could benefit from a unified campaign strategy, reduced costs, and the ability to leverage national momentum to influence state-level elections. Additionally, they might have an advantage in terms of resources and voter reach, as national issues tend to dominate during such elections.
7. Cost implications – While the goal is to lower costs, the initial investment required to establish a system for conducting simultaneous elections could be significant.
One Nation One Election proposal presents both opportunities and challenges. While it aims to streamline the electoral process, reduce costs and enhance governance, it also requires overcoming significant hurdles, including constitutional amendments, logistical coordination and ensuring that regional issues are not marginalized.
