Project: One Nation, One Election

1. Introduction
One Nation, One Election refers to the concept of conducting simultaneous elections for the Lok
Sabha (national parliament) and State Legislative Assemblies across India. This proposal aims to
streamline the electoral process, reduce the financial and administrative burden, and ensure stability
in governance.

Elections to the House of the People and Legislative Assemblies of States were mostly held
simultaneously from 1951-52 to 1967 after which this cycle got broken and now, elections are held
almost every year and within a year too at different times, which result in massive expenditure by
the Government and other stakeholders, diversion of security forces and other electoral officers
engaged in such elections from their primary duties for significantly prolonged periods, disruption in
developmental work on account of prolonged application of Model Code of Conduct, etc.

2. Historical Background
Simultaneous elections were a norm in India after independence. The first general elections in 1951-
52, 1957, 1962, and 1967 were conducted simultaneously for the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies.

The practice was disrupted due to the premature dissolution of some state assemblies and the Lok
Sabha after 1967. Since then, staggered elections have become the norm, leading to frequent
electoral cycles.

3. Objectives of One Nation, One Election

The primary objectives of this proposal are:

Cost Reduction: To minimize the financial burden of conducting multiple elections.

Administrative Efficiency: To optimize the use of government machinery and resources.

Governance Stability: To reduce policy disruptions caused by the frequent imposition of the Model
Code of Conduct.

Voter Engagement: To improve voter turnout by reducing electoral fatigue.

The Law Commission of India in its 170th Report on Reforms of the Electoral Laws observed that:
“This cycle of elections every year, and in the out of season, should be put an end to. We must go
back to the situation where the elections to Lok Sabha and all the Legislative Assemblies are held at
once. It is true that we cannot conceive or provide for all the situations and eventualities that may
arise whether on account of the use of Article 356 (which of course has come down substantially af
ter the decision of Supreme Court in S.R. Bommai vs Union of India) or for other reasons, yet the
holding of a separate election to a Legislative Assembly should be an exception and not the rule. The
rule ought to be ‘one election once in five years for Lok S abha and all the Legislative Assemblies.

4. Benefits of One Nation, One Election

1. Cost Efficiency: Conducting elections is expensive, involving costs for security, administrative staff,
and logistics. A synchronized election can significantly reduce these expenditures.

2. Governance Stability: The frequent imposition of the Model Code of Conduct halts ongoing
development projects and decision-making. Simultaneous elections would eliminate this issue.

3. Increased Voter Participation: Fewer elections mean less voter fatigue, potentially leading to
higher turnout.

4. Strengthened Democratic Process: With a clear electoral schedule, political parties and candidates
can focus on governance instead of constant campaigning.

5. Reduced Burden on Security Forces: Deployment of security forces for election duty is resource-
intensive. Conducting elections simultaneously will reduce this burden.

5. Challenges and Concerns

1. Constitutional Amendments: Implementing this proposal requires amendments to multiple

2. Logistical Complexity: Managing elections for both the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies
simultaneously across 29 states and union territories would require unprecedented coordination.

3. Dominance of National Issues: State-specific issues may get overshadowed by national issues,
potentially undermining regional representation.
4. Political Consensus: Achieving agreement among all political parties on such a significant change is
challenging.

5. Risk of Simultaneous Failures: If a government (national or state) falls prematurely, it could disrupt
the synchronized cycle.

6. Global Examples

Several countries conduct simultaneous elections:

South Africa: Elections for national and provincial legislatures are held together.

Sweden: Local, regional, and national elections occur simultaneously.

These examples provide valuable insights into the benefits and challenges of synchronized elections.

7. Proposed Implementation Plan

1. Phased Implementation:

- Start by aligning elections in a few states with the Lok Sabha elections.

- Gradually extend to all states over a few cycles.

2. Legal Reforms:

- Introduce and pass necessary amendments in Parliament.

- Address legal issues like tenure extensions or reductions for synchronization.

3. Logistical Preparations:

- Enhance the Election Commission’s capacity.

- Ensure adequate resources and technology for large-scale elections.

- Educate voters and political parties about the benefits of the system.

- Promote debate and discussion to build consensus.

8. Debate and Public Opinion

The proposal has sparked intense debates:

Supporters argue it will save costs, reduce governance disruptions, and streamline the democratic
process.

Critics point to challenges like constitutional hurdles, logistical complexities, and the potential
marginalization of regional issues.

Public opinion is divided, with some supporting the efficiency of synchronized elections and others
expressing concerns over its feasibility and impact on democracy.

9. Conclusion

"One Nation, One Election" is a bold and transformative idea with the potential to revolutionize
India’s electoral process. While the benefits of cost efficiency, governance stability, and increased
voter participation are compelling, the challenges of constitutional amendments, logistical
coordination, and political consensus cannot be overlooked.

A phased and carefully planned approach, coupled with public and political engagement, is essential
for the successful implementation of this proposal.