Simultaneous Elections

Introduction

Simultaneous Elections, often referred to as the ‘one nation, one election’ (ONOE) plan, is an ambitious idea in Indian politics. It envisions aligning the election cycles of the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies, reducing the frequency of elections. While it has sparked debates and discussions, its feasibility and implications are subjects of concern.

What are Simultaneous Elections?

Historically, India practiced simultaneous elections until 1967. However, the frequent dissolution of Assemblies and Lok Sabhas disrupted this synchrony. Currently, only a few states like Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Odisha, and Sikkim hold elections alongside the Lok Sabha polls.

Advantages

According to the Law Commission of India, ONOE offers several advantages:

• Cost Saving: It can save public funds, as holding elections together reduces expenditure.
• Administrative Ease: It eases the strain on the administrative setup and security forces.
• Effective Governance: ONOE allows timely implementation of government policies and shifts administrative focus towards development activities rather than electioneering.

Challenges in Holding Simultaneous Elections

Feasibility

Constitutional challenges arise due to the fixed five-year tenure of Lok Sabha and State Assemblies. Amending the Constitution for ONOE is complex and sets a concerning precedent for more constitutional changes. The feasibility report submitted by the Election Commission in 2015 suggested amendments to multiple laws.

Federalism Concerns

ONOE challenges the concept of federalism as it implies that the entire nation is “one,” conflicting with Article 1, which sees India as a “Union of States.”

Present Form’s Benefits

The existing system of frequent elections allows voters to address national and state issues separately, ensuring accountability. Simultaneous elections could blend these issues, possibly favoring larger national parties.

Infrastructure Requirements

Simultaneous elections would demand a substantial budget, including procuring Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter-Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) machines, with additional costs for maintenance.

Impact on Voter Behavior

Critics argue that simultaneous elections might influence voter behavior, leading them to prioritize national issues even in state elections, potentially marginalizing regional parties.

Diminished Accountability

Frequent elections enhance politicians’ accountability and create jobs during the electoral process, benefiting the economy.

How Can Simultaneous Elections be Restored in India?

According to the Law Commission Working Paper (2018), several steps can be taken:

• Constitutional Amendments: Restore simultaneous elections by amending the Constitution, Representation of the People Act, 1951, and Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies’ Rules of Procedure.
• Change in No-Confidence Motion: Replace the no-confidence motion with a constructive vote of no-confidence.
• Anti-Defection Law: Dilute the Anti-Defection Law to prevent a stalemate in hung Assemblies or Parliament.
• Extended Notification Period: Extend the statutory limit of six months for issuing general election notifications.

Countries with Simultaneous Elections

Few countries like South Africa and Sweden hold simultaneous elections at various levels of government, promoting stability and efficient governance.

Way Forward

The idea of Simultaneous Elections merits deep study and deliberation. It could prevent the disruption of developmental work due to frequent elections. A consensus among political parties is essential, and public opinion should be considered in this mature democracy.

Conclusion

Simultaneous Elections in India offer both promise and challenges. While it aims to streamline the election process, its feasibility, impact on federalism, and influence on voter behavior need careful consideration. Finding common ground among political parties and engaging the public in the debate is crucial for the future of this ambitious plan.

Source: IE