The Central Government has introduced the ‘One Nation, One Election’ Bill in Parliament, marking a significant step toward synchronizing elections across India. The proposal aims to conduct simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies, thereby reducing the frequency of polls and the associated administrative and financial burden.
Key Highlights of the Bill:
1. Objective:To streamline the electoral process by conducting simultaneous elections for:
Lok Sabha (Parliamentary Elections).
State Assemblies.Panchayats and Urban Local Bodies (where possible).
2. Rationale:Cost Efficiency: Reduce the recurring expenditure incurred by holding elections at different times.
Administrative Ease: Minimize disruption caused by the Model Code of Conduct, which affects policymaking during election periods.
Voter Convenience: Simplify the voting process for citizens by reducing the frequency of elections.
3. Challenges to Implementation:Constitutional Amendments: Changes required in Articles related to terms of the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies.
Consensus Building: Requires agreement among political parties, states, and stakeholders.
Logistical Feasibility: Ensuring resources like EVMs and personnel are sufficient for conducting simultaneous elections nationwide.
Parliamentary Discussion:The government plans to refer the bill to a parliamentary committee for wider consultations with stakeholders, including legal experts, political parties, and constitutional scholars.
The committee will examine the bill’s legal, logistical, and political implications before further action.
Reactions:Supporters argue that the initiative will bring electoral stability and reduce governance disruptions.
Critics raise concerns about federalism, with some states fearing reduced autonomy in election scheduling.
Next Steps The bill’s progress in Parliament and subsequent debates will determine its feasibility and acceptance. If implemented, the ‘One Nation, One Election’ policy could bring a significant shift in India’s electoral system, streamlining governance and resource allocation.
