One Nation One Election

Question: Critically evaluate the need of conducting simultaneous elections to Lok Sabha and state Legislative Assembly.

Recent talks concerning “one nation, one election” has resulted in formation of a committee headed by Ram Nath Kovind to Study its feasibility and synchronise elections for both loksabha and state legislative assemblies.

Problems associated with current election pattern 

• Model code of conduct and governance time out leads to policy paralysis.
• Elections are costly affair in India and put a heavy burden on state machinery and state exchequer.
• More chances for electoral corruption and less voter turnout.
• Horse trading and defection cases 

Significance of simultaneous Elections

Reduced costs

Having simultaneous elections would result in utilisation of all the polling expenditure, infrastructure and other resources on the same day resulting in reduced costs which are being born in case of present election.

Improves stability

Having simultaneous elections would result in more stability in administration as all the members of legislative assemblies and all MPs would serve the same tenure. Persistent problem of elections being held in different states at different time would be addressed. 

Timely implementation of policies

Due to more time devoted to development activities rather than electioneering, implementation of policies would be more effective.

Reduced freebies

Simultaneous election would result in less distribution of freebies and instead working for better policy administration. 

Reduced constraints on state finances

Frequent elections put great burden on state exchequer and resources. With Simultaneous election, state’s burden can be reduced to a significant amount.

Less instances of horse trading

Frequent elections results in more horse trading and defection cases. Holding simultaneous election at a fixed period will make it difficult for the members to switch parties.

Drawbacks

Feasibility concerns

Indian constitution provides for 5 year term and in case of any dissolution or emergency the simultaneous election schedule may hamper this tenure security.

Amendment of constitution

One nation, one election would demand constitutional amendment which itself is a lengthy and difficult process. 

Procedural complications

Simultaneous elections would also demand a proper amendment in People’s representative act, rules and procedures of business and model code of conduct.

Affects federalism

Simultaneous election idea does not Square with notion of federalism enshrined in the constitution.

Infrastructure and human resources

Simultaneous election would also demand proper polling stations, VVPAT, other equipment and officers at same time which is very difficult to arrange.

Voter’s attitude

Having simultaneous elections has the potential risk of less voter turnout and voting on parochial factors. 

Way Forward 

Build consensus

All the states’ opinions and suggestions should be taken into consideration for better implementation of simultaneous elections.

Establishing committee

Committees and framework should be formed in order to deal with any incumbency, emergency, failure of government machinery.

Building Infrastructure

Infrastructure and human resources should be managed efficiently to visualise one nation, one election as reality.

Amending the constitution

To address no confidence motions and also to align the electoral cycles of all the state legislative assemblies.

Conclusion

Consensus based decision making regarding applicability of Simultaneous election is necessary to ensure feasibility of election along with avoidance of any injury to  federalism.