Context
The Union Cabinet unanimously approved the one nation one election proposal, paving the way for simultaneous elections for Lok Sabha, state Assembly and local bodies.
About
- The Union Cabinet has widened the guidelines of the High-Level Committee on One Nation One Election (ONOE), chaired by former President Ram Nath Kovind.
- The Committee has advocated a two-phase method.
- The first phase includes conserving Lok Sabha and Assembly elections concurrently, at the same time as the second one section proposes engaging in local body elections within 100 days of the general elections.
- The Cabinet also endorsed creating a common electoral roll for all elections and putting in place an implementation group to supervise targeted national discussions.
- It has recommended 18 constitutional amendments, most of which do not need ratification by state assemblies. However, these would require certain Constitution amendment payments that would must be exceeded by Parliament.
- The Bill is possibly to be added within the Parliament in the approaching winter session.
Simultaneous Elections
- Simultaneous Elections (One Nation One Election) refer to the concept of conserving Lok Sabha and State legislative assembly elections together, with the intention of lowering the frequency of elections and their associated charges.
- Simultaneous elections in India to the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies had been held within the years 1951-52, 1957, 1962 and 1967.
- Thereafter, the time table could not be maintained and the elections to the Lok Sabha and the State legislative meeting have nevertheless not been realigned.
Arguments In Favour of One Nation One Election
- Reduced Expenditure: It will reduce the huge expenditure incurred for conducting separate elections every year.
- Streamlined Process: Managing one election cycle is logistically simpler than carrying out multiple elections at exceptional instances. This can cause more green use of administrative resources.
- The hassle of frequent elections leads to imposition of Model Code of Conduct (MCC) over prolonged durations of time which affects the normal governance. Simultaneous elections can overcome such troubles.
- The consciousness on governance will grow, rather than being continuously in election mode.
- Direct Accountability: With simultaneous elections, citizens can hold parties responsible for both crucial and nation governance at the same time, making it clearer how local and national guidelines affect their lives.
Arguments Against One Nation One Election
- Logistical Challenges: All states and the principal authorities face large logistical challenges consisting of coordinating the schedules, sources etc.
- Local Priorities: It may additionally assist the dominant statewide party at the cost of regional parties and regions troubles may be overshadowed via the national issues.
- Complex Reforms Needed: Implementing simultaneous elections might require widespread constitutional amendments and modifications to existing electoral legal guidelines, posing legal complexities.
Way Ahead
- Synchronized polls for all three degrees of government will enhance governance structure. It will enhance “transparency, inclusivity, ease and confidence of the electorate.
- Separately, the law commission is also likely to come back up quickly with its personal file on simultaneous elections.
- The law commission is likely to advocate retaining simultaneous polls for all three ranges of the authorities – the Lok Sabha, kingdom assemblies and local bodies like municipalities and panchayats – starting 2029.
Source: Indian Express