- A high-level group chaired by former President Ram Nath Kovind has advocated holding simultaneous elections.
Context
- It has advocated conducting simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies as the initial phase.
- Municipal and panchayat elections would be held within 100 days of the national election.
Recommendation as per Committee-
- The group advocated synchronising elections by setting a ‘Appointed Date’ after the general elections. State assemblies constituted after this date but before the end of the Lok Sabha’s mandate would expire before following general elections, allowing for simultaneous voting.
- Tenure and Fresh Elections: The committee advised that if the House is hung or there is a no-confidence motion, new elections could be held. However, the House’s tenure would only be for the remainder of the preceding full session.
- Continuation of New Assemblies: If new Legislative Assemblies are elected, they will serve until the end of the Lok Sabha’s complete term, unless they are dissolved earlier.
- Constitutional Amendments: Amendments to Articles 83 and 172 of the Constitution are advocated to permit changes in the tenure of Parliament and State legislatures.
- Implementation of Changes: An implementation group is proposed to oversee the committee’s recommended adjustments.
Examining Simultaneous Elections:
- The Law Commission’s Action: The 22nd Law Commission, which is currently investigating the topic of simultaneous elections, is expected to deliver its report to the Law Ministry shortly. It is anticipated to recommend simultaneous polls beginning with the 2029 general election cycle.
Ratification by States-
- The committee suggests amending Article 324A to allow for simultaneous elections in panchayats and municipalities. Amendments to Article 325 are proposed to allow the Election Commission of India (EC) to engage with state election authorities in the preparation of a single electoral roll and voter identification cards.
- Article 324A: This article pertains to the recommendations for amendments to enable simultaneous elections in panchayats and municipalities.
- It implies that amendments to Article 324A would allow the Election Commission of India (EC) to hold municipal elections concurrently with state and national elections.
- The proposed amendment intends to streamline the electoral process and reduce election frequency, which is consistent with the larger goal of synchronising elections at all levels.
- Article 325: It deals with the right to vote and preparation of electoral rolls.
- The proposed revisions to Article 325 would allow the Election Commission of India (EC), in cooperation with state election authorities, to create a uniform electoral roll and issue voter ID cards.
- This amendment aims to establish a unified and standardised voter registration process at all levels of elections, promoting uniformity and efficiency in voter identification and participation.
Meaning of “One Nation, One Election”:
- Governance Efficiency: Elections at all levels can be held simultaneously, streamlining the electoral process and avoiding interruptions caused by repeated elections. This results in more stable administration and allows elected officials to focus on their responsibilities rather than campaigning.
- Simultaneous elections can greatly lessen the financial burden of holding several polls at different dates. It aids in resource optimisation, campaign cost reduction, and total budgetary savings.
- Voter Engagement: Coordinating elections at all levels increases voter turnout by combining electoral efforts. It makes voting easier for citizens and encourages them to participate more actively in the political process.
- Policy continuity: Simultaneous elections improve policy planning and implementation by ensuring that elected governments at various levels serve concurrently. This continuity fosters policy stability and consistency, which leads to more effective government.
- Reduced Political Polarisation: By synchronising electoral cycles, simultaneous elections might reduce the high political polarisation that occurs during election seasons. It promotes a more collaborative political atmosphere and constructive interaction between political parties.
Conclusion:
The plan for simultaneous elections necessitates constitutional reforms and meticulous implementation. Cooperation among states and the Election Commission is critical to its success.
Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/ram-nath-kovind-led-panel-on-one-nation-one-election-submits-report-to-president/article67949680.ece#:~:text=The%20high%2Dlevel%20committee%20headed,election%20in%20the%20next%20phase.