Understanding the “One Nation, One Election” Bill: What’s Next for India’s Political Landscape?

Understanding the “One Nation, One Election” Bill: What’s Next for India’s Political Landscape?

The proposal for “One Nation One Election” has gained significant traction in recent years, particularly with the Narendra Modi government’s push to hold simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha, state Assemblies, and local bodies. Recently, the Union Cabinet approved the introduction of two crucial bills in Parliament aimed at implementing this idea, marking a critical step toward what could be a transformative shift in India’s electoral system. But what does this mean for the future of Indian democracy, and what are the key considerations and challenges associated with the introduction of the One Nation, One Election Bill?

The Context Behind the “One Nation, One Election” Bill

The idea of holding simultaneous elections in India is not new. The concept dates back to the time when elections for the Lok Sabha and various state Assemblies were once conducted together in the early years of India’s independence. However, instability in state governments, particularly after the mid-1960s, disrupted this process. Governments that lost their majority or faced political instability led to mid-term elections, which were not synchronized. From 1967 to 1971, the concept of simultaneous elections was disrupted due to the collapse of non-Congress governments in states and the change in the national government schedule under Indira Gandhi.

In 2023, the Narendra Modi government formed the Ram Nath Kovind Committee to explore the feasibility of conducting synchronized elections for the Lok Sabha, state Assemblies, and municipalities. The committee’s report, submitted in March 2024, outlined a roadmap for achieving this goal, recommending a gradual shift to simultaneous elections starting with the Lok Sabha and state Assemblies, followed by local body elections within 100 days.

Key Provisions of the “One Nation, One Election” Bill

The bills, set to be introduced in the ongoing Winter Session of Parliament, focus on amending the Constitution to ensure that the terms of the Lok Sabha and state Assemblies align. The primary focus of the bills is to create a legal framework that allows for the simultaneous election of the Lok Sabha and state Assemblies, followed by synchronized local body elections.

The key provisions of the bill include:

• Amendments to Articles 83 and 172: These articles define the duration of the Lok Sabha and state Assemblies. The bills propose constitutional amendments to extend or shorten these terms to synchronize elections. This process will involve consultations and ratifications across various state legislatures.
• Mid-Term Elections for Truncated Terms: If a Lok Sabha or state Assembly loses its majority during its term, the Kovind committee recommends conducting mid-term elections. These elections will last only until the next scheduled elections, referred to as "unexpired term" elections.
• Synchronized Local Body Elections: Local elections for municipalities and panchayats are to be synchronized with Lok Sabha and state Assembly elections. The elections for local bodies are proposed to be held within 100 days of the national and state elections.

The bill aims to reduce the frequency of elections by consolidating them into a single, national event, potentially reducing the costs and administrative burden on the Election Commission (EC).

The Roadmap Suggested by the Kovind Committee

In its report, the Kovind committee outlined a phased approach to implementing simultaneous elections. The roadmap involves:

1. First Phase - Lok Sabha and State Assemblies: The committee suggests that Parliament first approve the holding of simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and state Assemblies. This step does not require ratification by states.
2. Second Phase - Synchronization of Local Body Elections: The committee recommends synchronizing elections for municipalities and panchayats within 100 days of the Lok Sabha and state Assembly elections. This step will require ratification by at least half of India’s state legislatures.

By 2029, if the changes are approved, India could witness the first simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha, state Assemblies, and local bodies.

Constitutional Amendments Required

To implement the “One Nation, One Election” policy, constitutional amendments will be required, particularly to Articles 83 and 172. These articles govern the duration of the Lok Sabha and state Assemblies, respectively. Amendments to these provisions will ensure that the terms of the legislative bodies align, facilitating the scheduling of elections together.

The constitutional amendment will not automatically come into effect unless ratified by Parliament. However, once adopted, it will pave the way for simultaneous elections and potentially lead to truncated terms for some state governments. Some states will likely need to hold elections before the completion of their regular term to accommodate the new schedule.

Potential Impact of Simultaneous Elections

The introduction of simultaneous elections could have several implications, both positive and negative, for India’s political system:

1. Reduced Election Burden: One of the main arguments in favor of simultaneous elections is the reduction in the frequency of elections. By holding all elections together, the burden on administrative resources, including the Election Commission, will be reduced. It will also cut down on the expenses involved in organizing separate elections.

2. Political Stability: The proponents argue that simultaneous elections could enhance political stability. By ensuring that the Lok Sabha and state Assemblies are elected together, the government at the Centre and in the states will have a more cohesive mandate, potentially reducing conflicts between state and national political parties.

3. Impact on State Governments: One of the main challenges of the proposed change is the likely truncation of terms for many state governments. States like Himachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, and others that went to the polls in 2023 may have to hold fresh elections sooner than expected. The shorter terms could lead to political instability in some states as governments may face pressure to act quickly, with some potentially falling mid-term.

4. Financial and Logistical Challenges: The Election Commission has already flagged the financial and logistical challenges of implementing simultaneous elections. The procurement of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) machines, among other resources, will require significant investment. The Election Commission has estimated that over Rs 8,000 crore may be needed to procure the required equipment for simultaneous polls. The logistical challenges of coordinating such a massive exercise across a diverse and populous nation like India also pose a significant hurdle.

Political and Party Responses

The political parties’ responses to the One Nation, One Election proposal have been mixed. According to reports, out of the 47 political parties that submitted their opinions to the Kovind Committee, 32 parties supported the idea, most of them allies of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). However, 15 parties, including the Congress, have opposed the proposal, citing concerns about federalism, political autonomy, and the potential for increased centralization of power.

The Role of the Election Commission

The Election Commission (EC) has played a crucial role in evaluating the feasibility of simultaneous elections. In its submission, the EC highlighted several logistical challenges, including the need to procure and maintain a large number of EVMs and VVPATs. It also emphasized the need for a robust system to handle the increased number of votes that will be cast during simultaneous elections. The EC also stressed the cost implications, estimating that around Rs 8,000 crore would be needed for the procurement of necessary equipment.

The Future of One Nation, One Election

While the introduction of the One Nation, One Election Bill represents a bold vision for India's political future, its implementation will depend on the political will to bring about the required constitutional amendments and manage the logistical challenges. The coming months and years will likely see heated debates in Parliament and across political parties, with discussions about the potential benefits and drawbacks of such a system.

The “One Nation, One Election” Bill could drastically change the way India conducts elections, promising a more streamlined process, reduced electoral costs, and potentially greater political stability. However, it will require careful planning, widespread political consensus, and significant investment in infrastructure to make it a reality.

In conclusion, the One Nation, One Election Bill marks a critical step towards the reform of India’s electoral system. If implemented successfully, it could transform the way elections are held in India, but it will also require overcoming numerous political, logistical, and constitutional challenges to be realized fully. Only time will tell whether this ambitious proposal will reshape Indian democracy as envisioned by its proponents.