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8 October 2024
One Nation One Election
India that is Bharat is the world’s largest democracy and in this democracy elections are a
very frequent occurrence with some form of electoral process always happening in the country.
The idea of One Nation One Election proposes conducting simultaneous elections in the country.
According to the High Level Committee report on simultaneous elections in India, 2024, headed
by former president Shri Ramnath Kovind “ The expression ‘Simultaneous elections’ shall mean
general elections held for constituting the House of the People, all the state legislative assemblies
and local bodies together. Simultaneous elections are also referred to as One Nation One
Election.” This is not new to India, from 1951 to 1967, elections were held simultaneously, after
which the cycle got disrupted.
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Fig.1. List of Various Elections held from 2019-2023
Source: High level Committee report on Simultaneous elections, 2024
This essay will look into advantages, challenges and feasibility of One Nation One
Election and try to understand whether India is ready for such a drastic decision or not.
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Historical context and the previous calls
In 1951, from the first general elections to 1967, elections in the country used to take
place simultaneously. After which some states assemblies like Haryana, West Bengal and more
were prematurely dissolved disrupting the synchronization. This has led to frequent election
activities in parts of the country
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Fig. 2. Frequency of elections
Source: High Level Committee report on simultaneous elections.
Previously, there were proposals of simultaneous elections, the Law Commission of
India’s 170th report(1999) being prominent examples.
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Currently this has become a hot topic of debate as a new High Level Committee has been
formed by the Government and it has published its report recently.
Advantages
One of the advantages of this can be Cost Efficiency. According the Newslaundry, nearly
rupees 60,000 crores were spent in the 2019 general elections alone including both government
machinery and expenditure by the political parties. This increases more and more due to frequent
elections. One Nation One Election if implemented can reduce this cost as the elections will take
place in One Election cycle.
During Elections the Model Code of Conduct comes into effect, restricting parties from
announcing implementing policies or programs. Due to frequent elections, this Model Code of
Conduct is frequently implemented, resulting in stagnation or low efficiency in governance.
Simultaneous elections ensures that this is only implemented once in five years, reducing
disruptions to governance and the government to focus on governance rather than election
campaigning.
This reform can lead to reduction in Voter Fatigue. Currently there are elections being
held very frequently over very short time periods. Simultaneous elections will make elections a
onetime event, which can result in more voter participation, the electoral process will become
more focused.
Moreover, this may improve the choices of voters, as in current cycle of elections often
regional and national agendas are different, with simultaneous elections national and regional
agendas will be both taken up by the voter into consideration resulting in better choice making to
elect their representative.
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One Nation One Election can also allow more effective centralized planning and efficient
deployment of security forces. While currently they are deployed repeatedly for elections held at
different times. This will also allow reducing fatigue allowing better performance and
preparation. This can result in enhanced coordination and better resource allocation.
Problems and Challenges that may arise
While there are benefits of One Nation One Election, its challenges are substantial too.
The most important of them all are the amendments that need to be done to Article 83, 85, 172,
174, 356 of the Indian Constitution. These articles govern the term of parliament and state
assemblies. Their disruption and the implementation of President’s rule. Changes must be done
in the Representation of People Act. 1951. All these amendments would need consent of atleast
half of India’s states.
Critics also argue that this will lead to administrative issues. They say that the country is
not in shape to hold elections of center and state together and if local bodies are included in this,
the situation will get worse. According to business standards, an extra of 4.6 million ballot units,
3.3 million control unit, 3.6 million VVPAT machines will be required. There will be the
additional transportation cost.
They say India does not have the manpower to hold all elections simultaneously, there
will be a need of more security, election staff. Additional risk of election related violence and
logistical breakdown with increase in magnitude of elections.
This can undermine the federalist nature of the country, As the state government is not
subordinate to the central government. They have autonomy over themselves.
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Politically this can be beneficial to the party at the center and marginalize regional
parties. The objectives on which state elections are fought might be over-shadowed by national
interest, further undermining the federal nature of the country. Any attempt to impose
simultaneous elections will be examined by the judiciary to ensure it is not unconstitutional.
Global comparison
Countries like Sweden, Belgium and South Africa do hold simultaneous elections. South
Africa holds national, provincial and municipal elections together. Similarly, Sweden also
conducts elections together in a similar manner resulting in cost efficiency and better
governance.
However, we should know that these counties are far different from India. India has
significantly large population, diversity and land area to cover. Election in India are conducted at
a far greater scale than these countries. We can take lesson from these countries but they should
be carefully adapted to suit India, its feudal structure and socio political climate.
Conclusion
One Nation One Election, a reform that offers many potential advantages such as Cost
Efficiency, better governance, less voter fatigue. It also comes with formidable challenges,
constitutional, democratic, logistical.
Given the complexities, is India ready for such a reform? The answer is not straight
forward. To implement such a reform a phased approach can be a better and more practical
solution where elections in certain states are synchronized and over time this will lead to
nationwide simultaneous elections, rather than making all elections simultaneous at once.
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While implementing it will require thorough deliberation, careful palnning. It should
ensure that it preserves the feudal nature and upholds the democratic rights of both national and
state government. It should be grounded in India’s constitutional principles.
Bibliography
Constitution of India
Newslaundry: https://www.newslaundry.com/2019/06/04/india-just-spent-nearly-rs-60000-crore-
on-its-election-but-does-it-augur-well-for-democracy
Business Standard: https://youtu.be/RtLOY69XdtM?si=FWEPvqXg0rmvNFKS
Election Commission of India. (2018). Report on Simultaneous Elections. Retrieved from
https://eci.gov.in.
Law Commission of India. (1999). 170th Report on Reform of the Electoral Laws.
Government of India.
High Level Committee report on Simultaneous election, 2024: https://onoe.gov.in/HLC-Report-
en
