Union Cabinet Approved One Nation, One Poll Proposal

Syllabus: GS2/Polity

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 accepted the recommendations of the High-Level Committee on One Nation, One Election (ONOE), chaired by former President Ram Nath Kovind.
• The Committee has recommended a two-phase approach.
  • The first phase involves holding Lok Sabha and Assembly elections simultaneously, while the second phase proposes conducting local body elections within 100 days of the general elections. 
• The Cabinet also recommended creating a common electoral roll for all elections and setting up an implementation group to oversee detailed nationwide discussions.
• It has recommended 18 constitutional amendments, most of which will not need ratification by state assemblies. However, these would require certain Constitution amendment bills that would have to be passed by Parliament.
• The Bill is likely to be introduced in the Parliament in the upcoming winter session.

What are Simultaneous Elections?

• Simultaneous Elections (One Nation One Election) refer to the idea of holding Lok Sabha and State legislative assembly elections together, with the aim of reducing the frequency of elections and their associated costs.
• Simultaneous elections in India to the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies were held in the years 1951-52, 1957, 1962 and 1967. 
• Thereafter, the schedule could not be maintained and the elections to the Lok Sabha and the State legislative assembly have still 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 conducting multiple elections at different times. This can lead to more efficient use of administrative resources.
• The problem of frequent elections leads to imposition of Model Code of Conduct (MCC) over prolonged periods of time which affects the normal governance. Simultaneous elections can overcome such issues.
• The focus on governance will increase, instead of being constantly in election mode.
• Direct Accountability: With simultaneous elections, voters can hold parties accountable for both central and state governance at the same time, making it clearer how local and national policies impact their lives.

Arguments Against One Nation One Election

• Logistical Challenges: All states and the central government face massive logistical challenges including coordinating the schedules, resources etc.
• Local Priorities: It may help the dominant national party at the cost of regional parties and regions issues can be overshadowed by the national issues.
• Complex Reforms Needed: Implementing simultaneous elections would require significant constitutional amendments and changes to existing electoral laws, posing legal complexities.

Way Ahead

• Synchronized polls for all 3 tiers of government will improve governance architecture. It will enhance “transparency, inclusivity, ease and confidence of voters.
• Separately, the law commission is also likely to come up soon with its own report on simultaneous elections.
• The law commission is likely to recommend holding simultaneous polls for all three tiers of the government – the Lok Sabha, state assemblies and local bodies like municipalities and panchayats – starting 2029.

Source: IE