One Nation One Election: It has been a big issue in India for a long time that how elections to be held at various levels can be done simultaneously, so that time and resources can be saved. Now, the Modi government has taken a big step on this issue.
The government is preparing to bring three major bills to implement ‘One Nation, One Election’. These bills propose to bring major changes in the electoral processes from constitutional amendment to local bodies.
In this article (One Nation One Election), we will know in detail what these bills are, what are the recommendations of the Kovind Committee, and what is the plan behind conducting simultaneous elections in the country.
What is ‘One Nation One Election’?
‘One Nation, One Election’ means that elections of Lok Sabha, State Legislative Assemblies and local bodies like Nagar Palika and Panchayats should be held simultaneously across the country.
Currently, elections to the Lok Sabha and state assemblies are held in India at different times, due to which a large part of the government resources are spent on elections. Apart from this, frequent elections also affect administrative activities and government functioning.
Conducting simultaneous elections will not only reduce election expenditure but will also maintain administrative stability.
Modi government’s plan about One Nation One Election
The central government has taken rapid steps on the issue of ‘One Nation, One Election’ and is preparing to bring three new bills.
Two of these bills will be for constitutional amendment, while the third bill will be a simple bill, which will be related to Union Territories with Legislative Assembly. Let us know about these bills in detail.
Recommendations of Kovind Committee One Nation One Election
To implement ‘One Nation, One Election’, the government had constituted a high-level committee under the chairmanship of former President Ram Nath Kovind. This committee submitted its report to the government in March 2024.
In its report, the committee had recommended holding simultaneous elections in two phases. Also, the committee had proposed to amend three articles, add 12 new subsections to existing articles and change three laws related to Union Territories with Legislative Assemblies.
Major recommendations of the committee: on One Nation One Election
- Amendment in the Constitution: To conduct simultaneous elections of Lok Sabha, Legislative Assembly and local bodies, amendment in the Constitution will be required. For this, amendment in Article 82A and provision of ‘due date’ will be made.
- Implementation in two phases: The committee has recommended that ‘One Nation, One Election’ should be implemented in two phases, so that the electoral process can run smoothly across the country.
- Adding new subsections: 12 new subsections will be added to the existing articles, so that the electoral process can be organized.
First Constitution Amendment Bill: Lok Sabha and Assembly elections together One Nation One Election
The first bill will be related to the Constitution Amendment, which will have a provision to conduct simultaneous elections of Lok Sabha and State Assemblies. For this, Article 82A of the Constitution will be amended.
In this amendment, sub-section (1) related to ‘appointed date’ will be added, due to which the term of Lok Sabha and Legislative Assemblies will end simultaneously.
New rules related to the term of Lok Sabha and its dissolution will also be added in this bill. Apart from this, provisions for dissolution of state assemblies will also be included.
Along with this, it is also proposed to add the words ‘simultaneous election’ in Article 327. This bill can be passed without the need for the support of the states, as it has provisions related to the affairs of the Center.
Benefits of holding Lok Sabha and Legislative Assemblies simultaneously One Nation One Election:
- Reduction in election expenses: Both the government and political parties spend a lot of money in holding elections repeatedly. Holding elections simultaneously will reduce election expenses drastically.
- Administrative stability: Administrative work gets affected during the election process, because the election code of conduct comes into force. Holding elections simultaneously will reduce its impact on government work.
- Voter participation will increase: If elections are held simultaneously, voters will not need to cast their votes again and again, which will increase their participation and increase the voting percentage.
Second Constitution Amendment Bill: For local body elections One Nation One Election
The second Constitution Amendment Bill proposes to conduct elections of local bodies such as municipalities and panchayats along with the Lok Sabha and Legislative Assemblies.
For this, the Constitution will be amended, and this bill can be passed only with the support of the state assemblies, as it is related to the affairs of the states.
Under this bill, the Election Commission will be given the right to prepare the voter list in collaboration with the State Election Commissions. Currently, the Election Commission and the State Election Commission are separate bodies, which conduct elections at their own level.
Under this bill, it is proposed to add a new Article 324A, under which elections of Lok Sabha, State Legislative Assemblies, Municipalities and Panchayats can be held simultaneously.
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Third Bill: For Union Territories with Assemblies
The third bill will be a simple bill that will deal with Union Territories with Assemblies like Puducherry, Delhi and Jammu and Kashmir.
It proposes to amend three key laws so that the term of the Assemblies of these states can end along with the Lok Sabha and other state assemblies.
The laws to be amended are:
- National Capital Territory of Delhi Government Act, 1991
- Union Territory Government Act, 1963
- Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019
This bill will not require constitutional amendment to pass, and it can be implemented even without the support of the states.
Critics of ‘One Nation One Election’
Although ‘One Nation, One Election’ has many advantages, it also has critics. Some political parties and experts are concerned that by holding simultaneous elections, regional issues will be overshadowed by national issues.
This may affect the independent decision-making process of the states. Apart from this, frequent elections keep governments more accountable to the voters. If elections are held only once in five years, the public will have fewer opportunities to hold their leaders accountable.
One Nation One Election Conclusion
‘One Nation, One Election’ could be a revolutionary move that can bring about a major change in the Indian electoral system by reducing election expenses, administrative stability, and increasing voter participation.
However, implementing it will require major changes in the Constitution, and extensive discussions and consensus with the states. It will now be interesting to see how the Modi government takes this plan forward and turns it into reality.
One Nation One Election Disclaimer: This article is written for general information purposes and should not be taken as legal or constitutional advice.
