India’s political and electoral framework is set to undergo a major transformation with the introduction of the One Nation, One Election (ONOE) legislation. On December 17, 2024, the Law Minister of India, Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal, introduced two significant bills in the Lok Sabha to implement simultaneous elections. These bills have sparked a nationwide debate on the practicality, challenges, and implications of conducting synchronized elections for the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies.
This article delves into the details of the proposed law, the parliamentary journey it is set to undertake, the implications for India’s democratic system, and the challenges that lie ahead.
What is One Nation, One Election?
Simultaneous elections, or ONOE, aim to synchronize the electoral cycles of the Lok Sabha (House of the People) and State Legislative Assemblies. Between 1951 and 1967, India conducted elections for both Lok Sabha and State Assemblies together. However, this system was disrupted due to premature dissolutions of State Assemblies and the Lok Sabha, leading to staggered electoral cycles.
The current ONOE proposal seeks to restore the simultaneous election model by aligning the terms of the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies. The government believes this reform will reduce electoral costs, minimize disruption to governance, and provide greater policy stability.
Key Features of the Proposed Bills
- Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill, 2024:
- Article 82A (Sections 1-6):
- Aligns the terms of the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies.
- Grants the President authority to notify an “appointed date” for implementing simultaneous elections.
- Empowers the Election Commission of India (ECI) to conduct Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections together.
- Provides flexibility for deferred State Assembly elections while maintaining synchronized terms with the Lok Sabha.
- Amendments to Articles 83 and 172:
- Specifies that new Lok Sabha or Assembly elections held after a premature dissolution will serve only the unexpired term of five years.
- Amendment to Article 372:
- Introduces provisions for simultaneous elections following the delimitation of constituencies.
- Article 82A (Sections 1-6):
- Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024:
- Amends laws governing Union Territories and the National Capital Territory of Delhi to facilitate synchronized elections.
Parliamentary Journey: JPC and Majority Requirements
The bills have been referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), tasked with scrutinizing the legislative framework for ONOE. A JPC typically includes members from both the ruling party and the opposition, and its recommendations, while influential, are not binding on the government.
For the constitutional amendment to pass, it requires a special majority under Article 368:
- Support from at least half the total strength of both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
- Approval by a two-thirds majority of members present and voting in each house.
If passed, the law would require further ratification by at least half of the state legislatures, as it affects the federal structure of governance.
Implementation Timeline
The earliest practical implementation of ONOE is expected by 2034, considering the timelines for constitutional amendments, necessary legislative approvals, and synchronization of electoral cycles.
Challenges and Criticism
- Federal Concerns:
- Synchronizing elections could infringe on the autonomy of State governments, as their tenure might need adjustment.
- Critics argue this reform undermines the principle of federalism enshrined in the Constitution.
- Logistical Complexity:
- Aligning election schedules across 28 states, 8 Union Territories, and the Lok Sabha is a monumental task.
- Electoral infrastructure, such as EVMs, VVPATs, and human resources, would need significant scaling.
- Political Opposition:
- While the government supports ONOE, opposition parties claim it centralizes power and reduces regional political expression.
- Mid-Term Elections:
- Addressing scenarios like premature dissolutions of Assemblies or the Lok Sabha remains complex. The provision for interim elections for unexpired terms could lead to voter confusion.
Advantages of One Nation, One Election
- Cost Efficiency:
- Simultaneous elections could significantly reduce expenditure on polling logistics, security, and administrative arrangements.
- Governance Stability:
- Frequent elections disrupt governance due to the Model Code of Conduct, which restricts policy decisions. ONOE could enable uninterrupted policymaking.
- Reduced Electoral Fatigue:
- Citizens and political parties face electoral fatigue due to frequent elections. ONOE could enhance voter engagement and reduce apathy.
- Improved Resource Allocation:
- Conducting elections together ensures optimal utilization of manpower, security forces, and administrative machinery.
Way Forward: Preparing for ONOE
To ensure smooth implementation, the following measures are critical:
- Strengthening Electoral Infrastructure:
- Upgrade EVMs and VVPATs to meet increased demand.
- Develop a unified electoral roll system for Lok Sabha, State Assemblies, and local bodies.
- Public Awareness Campaigns:
- Educate voters about the benefits of ONOE through nationwide campaigns.
- Engage community organizations and NGOs to gather feedback and address concerns.
- Capacity Building:
- Train electoral officers in new technologies and processes to handle simultaneous elections effectively.
- Technological Integration:
- Leverage technology for voter verification, result tabulation, and efficient electoral management.
Conclusion: Is India Ready?
The ONOE proposal is a bold reform that has the potential to transform India’s electoral process. While it offers numerous benefits, including cost efficiency and governance stability, it also poses significant challenges related to federalism, logistics, and political consensus.
The formation of the JPC is a step in the right direction to address these concerns. However, achieving ONOE requires meticulous planning, robust infrastructure, and political will to navigate the complexities of India’s diverse democracy.
India’s readiness for ONOE will ultimately depend on its ability to balance electoral efficiency with the principles of federalism and democratic inclusivity.
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