One Nation, One Election is a proposal under consideration by the Government of India to synchronise elections for the Lok Sabha (the lower house of the Indian Parliament) and all state assemblies. It intends to hold these elections simultaneously, either on a single day or within a specific time frame.[1]
The first few general elections post-independence were held simultaneously, with the state legislative assembly elections. While the practice continued till 1967, due to the premature dissolution of some state assemblies in 1968 and 1969, the system of simultaneous elections was disrupted.[2] Since 2014, Narendra Modi, who was then Chief Minister of Gujarat, has been espousing simultaneous elections stating that it will reduce wastage of public money, and will ensure the smooth flow of development work, which otherwise gets arrested when the model code of conduct is in force.[3]
In August 2018, the Law Commission of India released its draft report on simultaneous elections. In order to conduct such simultaneous elections, it said that there needs to be made appropriate amendments to the constitution, the Representation of the People Act 1951, and the Rules of Procedure of Lok Sabha and state Assemblies.[2] It said that the Constitution, the Representation of the People's Act 1951 and the Rules of Procedure of Lok Sabha and State Assemblies would require appropriate amendments to conduct simultaneous polls. The commission also recommended it receive ratification from at least 50% of the States. However, with respect to the advantages of holding simultaneous polls, the commission said that it will lead to the saving of public money, reducing the strain on the administrative setup and security forces, timely implementation of government policies, and administrative focus on development activities rather than electioneering.[4]
According to an estimate deliberated in a parliamentary panel discussion, elections to the Lok Sabha and legislative assemblies cost the Election Commission of India more than Rs 4,500 crore. This is besides the declared and undeclared poll expenses by candidates and political parties.[3] The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Personnel, Public Grievances, Law and Justice in its 79th report on "Feasibility of Holding Simultaneous Elections to the House of People (Lok Sabha) and State Assemblies, 2015" recommended holding of polls in two phases, which it said was a more practical method of approaching the subject. The first phase could be held in November 2016, said the report, which was tabled the previous year. Polls to all state legislatures whose terms end before or after a time period of six months to one year from the election date, could be brought together. So, the parliamentary panel was of the view that the term of some assemblies would have to be shortened, while the remaining could be extended in order to hold simultaneous elections.[3]
High Level Committee on One Nation One Election | |
Formation | September 2, 2023 |
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Purpose | To suggest a framework for synchronisation of elections and specifically, suggest the phases and time frame within which simultaneous elections may be held if they cannot be held in one go and also suggest any amendments to the Constitution and other laws in this regard and propose such rules that may be required in such circumstances. |
Headquarters | New Delhi |
Secretary General | Dr. Niten Chandra |
Chairman of the Committee | Ramnath Kovind |
Key people |
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Parent organization | Government of India |
Website | https://onoe.gov.in/ |
On 2 September 2023, the Government of India issued a notification constituting a high-level committee to examine the issue of simultaneous elections.[5] This notification states:
This committee has been constituted under the chairmanship of former President of India Ram Nath Kovind. Other members of this committee are:
Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi said that once the committee submits its report, it will be discussed in the public domain and Parliament.[6] He said "There is nothing to be nervous about, as discussions will be held. We are the world's largest democracy and we are known as the mother of democracy. This is the evolution of democracy in the mother of democracy."[2]
Chief Election Commissioner of India Rajiv Kumar said that the Commission is ready to conduct elections as per legal provisions.[7]
Calling it a "total eyewash", committee's member Chowdhury said he cannot be part of the committee, as the "terms of reference" of the committee "have been prepared in a manner to guarantee its conclusions."[8] Congress leader P. Chidambaram said that the government was accelerating the process with the appointment of a "puppet committee." He said that by combining national and state elections, the BJP hopes to win the Lok Saba poll with a two-third majority and win enough states. Former law minister Kapil Sibal said that "One Nation One Election will be the downfall of the Modi government". He said the Modi government is playing with fire and they will not simply singe their hands but destruct the government.[9]