“One Nation, One Election”
Why in news?
Recent news on the “One Nation, One Election” (ONOE) proposal is that the first official meeting of the high-level committee that has been set up to study its feasibility is scheduled on, September 9, 2023, at the residence of former President Ram Nath Kovind in Delhi. The committee is headed by former- president himself and has a number of eminent jurists, politicians, and bureaucrats as members.
What is one nation, one election (ONOE)?
The concept of having simultaneous elections for State Assemblies and the LokSabha rather than separate and continuous elections is referred to as one nation, one election.
Historical Background:
- Until 1967, one nation, one vote was the standard in India. In 1952, 1957, 1962, and 1967, simultaneous elections for the LokSabha and state assemblies were held.
- Interestingly, the simultaneous election cycle was disrupted due to the premature dissolution of various Legislative Assemblies in 1968 and 1969. Furthermore, the LokSabha was dissolved abruptly in 1970, and new elections were held in 1971.
- The possibility of returning to simultaneous voting was raised in the Election Commission’s annual report in 1983 and this also referred by the Law Commission’s in 1999.
- In 2018, the Law Commission approved simultaneous polls and suggested amendments to electoral laws, examining legal and constitutional restrictions. They emphasized that such elections require suitable constitutional revisions and ratification by at least 50% of the states.
What are the arguments in favour of ‘One Nation One Election’?
- The focus on a free and fair electoral process during elections can enhance administrative efficiency by promoting ‘one nation, one vote’.
- During elections, frequent deployment of security forces enhances internal security, utilizing armed police forces that could be better utilized for managing issues like naxalism.
- Focusing on governance rather than election mode ensures continued policies and initiatives, minimizes political rallies, reduces disruption to public life, and improves service delivery.
- Elections often involve significant expenditure from black money, and implementing ‘one nation one election’ could reduce the circulation of Black money in the economy.
- Frequent elections often lead political class to prioritize immediate electoral gains over long-term programs and policies, impacting governance and policymaking. Simultaneous elections can reduce populist measures.
- Financial load reduction on the public exchequer – Continuous election cycles place a financial strain on the state budget. The ‘One Nation One Election’ policy will cut ECI’s overall investment on the electoral process.
- The Model Code of Conduct (MCC) is often imposed during elections, causing policy paralysis by halting development work for months at a time.
- Simultaneous polls will boost voter turnout.
- Elections, often polarizing and promoting casteism, communalism, and corruption, exacerbate social fabric issues such as casteism, religion, and communal conflicts across the country. Simultaneous elections would decrease the fault lines that multiple elections have generated between communities.
What are the arguments Against of ‘One Nation One Election’?
- The principal source of worry among parties opposed to simultaneous voting is the possibility of constitutional flaws and anti-federal implications. Some fear that this will have an impact on people’s voting decisions, and that this new method will necessitate massive amounts of staff and machinery (EVMs and VVPATs).
- Simultaneous elections in a democracy are challenging to sustain, even with extended or shortening LokSabha and State Assemblies terms. Governments lose faith in their legislature, leading to system collapse when the system collapses.
- It will present logistical issues in terms of the availability and security of electronic voting equipment, employees, and other resources. The EC may have difficulty managing such a large-scale exercise.
- Overshadowing Regional Interests: In a democracy, the current form of recurring elections might be considered as helpful because it allows voters to have their voices heard more regularly. Because the underlying causes of national and state elections differ, the current system limits issue blending, ensuring better accountability.
- Simultaneous elections for LokSabha and state assemblies exclude panchayat and municipal elections, potentially negating gains from separate elections for these entities.
Challenges while Implementation:
- For simultaneous polling, there must be political agreement on the changes to the election system. Furthermore, constitutional amendments must be drafted.
- Among the crucial Articles that must be modified in order to establish ‘one nation, one vote,’ are:
- Articles 172 and 83 of the Indian Constitution guarantee a five-year term for the Houses of Parliament, while Article 85 allows the President to call Parliamentary sessions and dissolve the LokSabha. Article 356 applies in case of a state’s governance failure and President’s Rule.
- For organized behaviour and stability in both the LokSabha and state assemblies, amendments to the People’s Representation Act, 1951 (RPA Act 1951) and the Anti Defection Law are required.
- The challenge lies in convincing all political parties to support “One Nation, One Election,” as achieving consensus on this fundamental election reform is challenging due to differing interests and concerns.
What are the recommendations of various committees formed on ‘one nation one elections?
- Election Commission Report in 1983 proposed to bring back simultaneous elections.
- 170th Law Commission in 1999also advocated simultaneous elections.
- The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Personnel, Public Grievances, Law and Justice, headed by E M Sudarsana Natchiappan in 2015 recommended simultaneous elections.
Way Forward:
- Thorough Constitutional Review: Engage legal experts to rigorously evaluate ONOE’s constitutional modifications.
- Create a plan for dealing with midterm government failures, maintaining stability and smooth transitions.
- Balancing Federalism and Centralization: Begin conversations with state governments to learn about and resolve their concerns about centralization.
- Develop a balanced framework that takes into account both federal principles and national electoral efficiency.
- Hybrid Accountability Model: Consider a hybrid strategy in which some states keep staggered elections while others use ONOE.
- Maintain separate accountability procedures for national and state concerns in order to promote successful government.
- Transparent Cost-Benefit Analysis: o Conduct an impartial and transparent assessment of the ONOE costs and savings.
- Present factual facts to dispel myths and educate stakeholders on the financial ramifications.
- Pilots and Gradual Implementation: Begin ONOE implementation with pilot programmes in a few states.
- Prior to widespread implementation, assess the problems, acquire insights, and enhance the method.
Conclusion:
- The idea for one nation, one election calls for synchronising LokSabha and State Assembly elections in order to reduce the frequency of elections. Before executing such a dramatic reform, the Indian democracy’s complex dynamics and different settings necessitate a thorough study.
UPSC PRELIMS QUESTION:
Consider the following statements: (2020)
- According to the Constitution of India a person who is eligible to vote can be made a minister in a State for six months even if he/she is not a member of the Legislature of that State.
- According to the Representation of People Act, 1951, a person convicted of a criminal offence and sentenced to imprisonment for five years is permanently disqualified from contesting an election even after his release from prison.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and2
- Neither 1 nor 2
UPSC MAINS QUESTION:
Critically analyze the concept of One Nation, One Election, highlighting the benefits and challenges associated with the idea. Also, suggest some measures to make it feasible.