One Nation One Election: A Comprehensive Overview

This article delves into the background, key submission and formation of the High Level Committee, the resolution process, timeline, aims, and other relevant considerations surrounding this initiative.

Background

The concept of One Nation One Election is not entirely new. Simultaneous elections were held in India until 1967, after which the implementation was disrupted due to various political and logistical reasons. Since then, separate elections for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies have been the norm. The current electoral system has led to frequent polls, disrupting governance and imposing significant financial and administrative burdens. Advocates of ONOE argue that it will lead to better governance, reduced election expenses, and a more stable policy environment.

The debate around ONOE gained momentum under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who emphasized its importance during public speeches and political discussions. The central government has pushed for the establishment of a legal and political framework to realize this vision, with the formation of a dedicated High-Level Committee being a crucial step in this direction.

The High-Level Committee (HLC)

In September 2023, the Union Cabinet approved the formation of a High-Level Committee to examine the feasibility of ONOE. The committee is tasked with studying the legal, constitutional, and logistical challenges of holding simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies. This committee consists of eminent personalities, legal experts, and senior government officials.

The High-Level Committee is led by former President Ram Nath Kovind, with other notable members including, the Home Minister, Law Minister, legal luminaries and representatives from the Election Commission of India (ECI). Their primary responsibility is to provide recommendations on amendments to the Constitution, the Representation of the People Act, and other related laws.

Key Objectives of the HLC:

• To analyze the challenges posed by holding simultaneous elections.
• To review constitutional provisions that may need amendments.
• To propose a roadmap and timeline for implementing ONOE.
• To recommend measures for reducing election expenses and promoting administrative efficiency.

Resolution

The idea of ONOE has been discussed at various forums over the years, with several committees and think tanks suggesting its implementation. The recent resolution passed by the government emphasizes the need for comprehensive electoral reforms, which includes the synchronization of elections to avoid frequent disruptions in governance.

The resolution also aims to address concerns such as:

• Frequent polls: India witnesses elections almost every year, leading to the "election mode" where governments and political parties focus on short-term gains rather than long-term policy decisions.
• Election expenses: The cost of conducting elections, borne by both the government and political parties, is a considerable burden on the exchequer. ONOE is expected to cut down on these expenses significantly.
• Impact on governance: Frequent elections impact governance, with the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) coming into play repeatedly. This hampers the government's ability to make policy decisions.

Timeline

The implementation of ONOE is expected to follow a phased approach. The HLC has been given a timeline to submit its report, which will include recommendations on constitutional amendments, legal provisions, and logistical changes required for ONOE.

Key steps in the timeline:

• Formation of the HLC: September 2023.
• Submission and Approval of HLC Report by Cabinet: Approved on 18 September 2024.
• Constitutional Amendments: Based on the recommendations, the government will need to introduce constitutional amendments in Parliament to synchronize the election schedule.
• Pilot Programs: There may be pilot programs at smaller levels to test the feasibility of ONOE in select states.
• Full Implementation: The target for full-scale implementation is likely to be within the next 3-5 years, depending on the political consensus and logistical preparedness.

Aims of One Nation One Election

The ONOE initiative aims to achieve several long-term goals that would benefit the democratic process and governance in India. Some of the key objectives are:

1. Stability in Governance: By synchronizing elections, the government can focus on long-term policy making without the interruptions caused by frequent elections and the enforcement of the MCC.
2. Reduction in Election Expenditure: Holding elections simultaneously will lead to a significant reduction in the cost of conducting elections, which includes expenses on security, election staff, and logistics.
3. Better Voter Turnout: It is expected that a synchronized election schedule will lead to increased voter participation, as elections will occur less frequently, encouraging citizens to engage more actively in the democratic process.
4. Enhanced Administrative Efficiency: Administrative resources are stretched thin during election periods, as government machinery focuses on the electoral process. ONOE would ensure that the administration is not frequently diverted from governance to conduct elections.
5. Minimized Political Instability: Frequent elections often lead to political instability, especially at the state level, with governments having to focus on short-term gains. ONOE would ensure that political stability is maintained for longer periods, allowing for better implementation of policies.

Challenges and Criticism

While the ONOE initiative has its merits, it faces several challenges, including:

1. Constitutional Amendments: Implementing ONOE would require substantial amendments to the Constitution. The Committee has proposed the insertion of Article 82A to the Constitution to synchronise the terms of the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies. Amendments are proposed to Articles 83 and 172. Other proposed amendments include the introduction of Article 324A to hold simultaneous elections for local bodies.
2. Consensus Among Political Parties: Achieving consensus among all political parties is crucial, as ONOE will require cooperation from both national and regional parties. Some parties have expressed concerns that simultaneous elections may dilute regional issues and give undue advantage to larger national parties.
3. Logistical Concerns: Conducting simultaneous elections across the country, involving over 900 million voters, will be a massive logistical exercise. Ensuring adequate security, deployment of polling officers, and proper management of the election process will be challenging.
4. Impact on Federalism: Critics argue that ONOE could undermine the federal structure of India by giving more prominence to national issues at the cost of regional issues. States with different political dynamics might feel overshadowed by national elections.

Conclusion

The One Nation One Election initiative is a bold reform that, if implemented, could bring substantial changes to India’s electoral and governance systems. By reducing the frequency of elections, cutting down on expenses, and promoting stability, it has the potential to streamline governance in the world's largest democracy. However, the challenges, especially regarding constitutional amendments, political consensus, and logistical feasibility, must be carefully addressed.

The High-Level Committee’s findings and subsequent steps will determine the future of this ambitious initiative. For now, ONOE remains an important issue in the realm of electoral reforms, sparking debates about its impact on India’s democratic fabric.

For more updates and in-depth analysis, visit the official ONOE website: https://onoe.gov.in/.