Syllabus:
Issues and Challenges Pertaining to the Federal Structure (GS 2)
Context:
Centre has set up a committee under former President Ram Nath Kovind to explore the feasibility of ‘one nation, one election’.
Introduction
- It means holding elections for both the Lok Sabha and all state assemblies simultaneously, with voting likely taking place concurrently.
- The Representation of the People Act (RPA),1951 includes provisions that regulates the actual conduct of elections and by-elections and administrative machinery for conducting elections.
- Free and Fair elections are part of Basic structure of the Constitution.
Pros
- Cost efficiency:Reduction in the cost of conducting elections as each separate election requires a huge amount of financial resources.
- Administrative efficiency:the burden on administrative and security forces, who otherwise are engaged multiple times in election duties.
- Increased voter turnout: According to the Law Commission, Simultaneous elections will increase voter turnout because it will be easier for people to cast many ballots at once.
- More focus on governance:The government can focus more on governance rather than being in an election mode, which often hampers policy implementation.
Cons
- Synchronization of terms: The biggest challenge of the ‘One Nation One election’ is to sync the terms of the various state legislative assemblies with those of Lok Sabha.
- Ambiguity: No clarity on dealing with situations like midterm polls or the President’s rule in case any party fails to get the majority.
- Marginalization of local issues: Regional political parties argue that having the two elections simultaneously would hamper their prospects because they won’t be able to highlight local issues prominently.
- Subjugation of Regional parties:Regional parties fear that they can’t compete with national parties in money and election strategies either.
- Constitutional Challenges:It would require significant amendments to the Indian Constitution, like key provisions relating to the terms of elected bodies (e.g., Lok Sabha, state assemblies and local bodies). Eg: Articles 83, 85, 172, 174 and 356.
- Threat to federalism:Simultaneous elections are an attack on the autonomy and independence of state governments.
Countries holding Concurrent elections
- Currently three countries that hold simultaneous elections are Belgium, Sweden and South Africa.
- Sweden holds elections for county and municipal councils concurrently with general elections
- In Belgium, Federal Parliament elections are in sync with European elections, which impact regional elections.
- Provincial and national elections are held simultaneously every five years in South Africa.
- Area-wise and Population-wise, holding simultaneous polls isn’t that big challenge in these countries unlike in India.
- If India makes ‘one nation one Election’ happen, it will be only the fourth country in the world to hold polls simultaneously.
Conclusion
Even Though, “One Nation, One Election” initiative has the potential to streamline India’s electoral process and enhance governance efficiency,it is important to carefully evaluate all the pros and cons of this policy before implementing it.Several rounds of discussions and debates are required before implementing the initiative inorder to preserve democratic principles and federalism.
Reference:
- https://m.economictimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/one-nation-one-election-what-it-means-and-what-are-the-advantages-challenges/whats-one-nation-one-election/slideshow/103282025.cms
- https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/one-nation-one-election-india-will-be-among-countries-that-hold-simultaneous-polls-2429716-2023-09-01
- https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/one-nation-one-election-blow-to-federalism-8924227/lite/&ved=2ahUKEwjGloHTmZWBAxUyTGwGHdWQCTwQFnoECCEQBQ&usg=AOvVaw0keiiSAgWWytJjgkC9XhLj