Introduction

The Union Cabinet recently approved a proposal to conduct Simultaneous Elections across the country, aligning elections for the Lok Sabha, state Assemblies, and local bodies under the “One Nation, One Election” plan. Following recommendations by a high-level committee chaired by former President Ram Nath Kovind, the move has generated considerable debate on its benefits and challenges.

Key Recommendations of the Committee

The committee proposed a set of amendments to the Constitution to enable simultaneous elections through two bills:

• Bill 1: Elections for the Lok Sabha and state Assemblies will be held simultaneously, without requiring ratification from states. A new Article 82A would establish the process for simultaneous elections and expand Parliament’s powers under Article 327 to conduct such elections.
• Bill 2: Local body elections (municipalities and panchayats) will be held within 100 days of the Lok Sabha and state Assembly elections. This requires the ratification of at least half the states and will be facilitated by inserting a new Article 324A, granting Parliament authority to align local body elections with national and state elections.

To streamline this process, the Election Commission of India (ECI) would collaborate with State Election Commissions (SECs) to create a Single Electoral Roll and a unified election ID system. Additionally, in cases of premature dissolution or a hung Assembly, new elections would be conducted for the remaining term, not a full five-year term.

Previous Recommendations on Simultaneous Elections

The concept of simultaneous elections has been discussed for decades:

• Law Commission (1999 & 2018): Proposed simultaneous elections to save costs and reduce administrative strain.
• NITI Aayog (2017): Supported the idea to streamline governance by cutting down the frequency of elections.
• Parliamentary Standing Committee: In its 79th report, recommended practical methods for conducting simultaneous elections.

What Are Simultaneous Elections?

Simultaneous elections involve holding polls for the Lok Sabha, all State Legislative Assemblies, and local bodies (municipalities and panchayats) at the same time. This system was in place until 1967, but collapsed due to premature dissolutions of governments at both the Centre and state levels. As a result, India now faces elections several times a year, which can be costly and time-consuming.

Why Are Simultaneous Elections Needed?

There are several compelling reasons to consider simultaneous elections:

1. Cost Reduction :  Conducting frequent elections incurs heavy costs for both the Centre and the states. Simultaneous elections could save billions of rupees.
2. Campaign Mode : Continuous elections put politicians in “campaign mode,” preventing them from focusing on long-term policy and governance.
3. Model Code of Conduct (MCC): The MCC halts new government initiatives during elections, delaying important policy decisions.
4. Administrative Efficiency: Regular elections strain administrative and security resources, diverting them from essential governance.
5. Social Cohesion: Annual elections contribute to polarizing campaigns, especially in India’s diverse socio-political environment.
6. Impact on the Economy: Frequent, asynchronous elections lead to uncertainty and instability, disrupting supply chains, delaying business investments, and slowing economic growth. The constant election cycle creates an environment of unpredictability, which hampers long-term economic planning and decision-making.
7. Impact on Voters: Repeated elections can cause ‘voter fatigue,’ making it difficult to maintain high levels of voter engagement and participation. Simultaneous elections offer a more efficient system where voters can cast their ballots for multiple levels of government in a single election, reducing the burden and increasing overall participation.

Concerns Over Simultaneous Elections

While there are significant benefits, simultaneous elections also raise concerns:

1. Federal Spirit: National parties may overshadow regional ones, weakening the focus on local issues and potentially undermining federalism.
2. Electoral Feedback : Elections act as a feedback mechanism for governments. Having them only every five years could limit the timely accountability of elected representatives.
3. Premature Dissolutions: The dissolution of the Lok Sabha or an Assembly mid-term raises questions about whether fresh elections would be required across all states.
4. Lengthy Amendments: The necessary constitutional amendments, including changes to Articles 83, 85, 172, and 174, could be challenging to implement.
5. Voter Engagement: Regional parties might find it harder to engage with voters effectively during simultaneous elections due to the dominance of national campaigns and media.

Addressing the Concerns

• Accountability: Indian politicians are already held accountable through the Council of Ministers’ responsibility to the legislature and judicial oversight, so elections aren’t the only means of accountability.
• Curbing Corruption: Simultaneous elections could reduce the expenditure associated with frequent elections, helping curb corruption.
• International Examples: Countries like South Africa, Sweden, and Germany conduct simultaneous national and provincial elections successfully, showing that fixed-term parliaments with simultaneous elections are feasible with proper mechanisms in place.

Way Forward

• Align Election Cycles: Legislative assembly elections should be scheduled to align with Lok Sabha elections for terms that end within six months to a year, creating a synchronised electoral cycle across the country.
• Ensure Free and Fair Elections: Strengthen the Election Commission’s regulatory and monitoring powers to oversee election expenses and maintain the integrity of elections at all levels.
• Implement Electronic Voter ID Cards: Leverage technology to introduce electronic voter ID cards, which can help eliminate fake entries and improve the accuracy of voter rolls.
• Explore State Funding of Elections: Consider state funding of elections to reduce the influence of money in politics, ensuring a more level playing field for all candidates.

Conclusion

Simultaneous elections offer significant benefits in terms of reducing costs, improving governance, and minimizing administrative disruption. However, their implementation will require a delicate balance between constitutional amendments, logistical preparedness, and preserving the federal spirit. A phased and consultative approach can address concerns while capitalizing on the potential advantages of “One Nation, One Election.”