Sambhav-2025

Approach Begin by introducing the concept of "One Nation, One Election." Discuss the significance of "One Nation, One Election" Highlight the challenges of holding simultaneous elections. Conclude Suitably.

Introduction

"One Nation, One Election" (ONOE) refers to the proposal of holding simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and all State Legislative Assemblies in India. With the approval of a proposal for simultaneous elections nationwide and the report submitted by a high-level committee chaired by former President Ram Nath Kovind, the idea of "One Nation, One Election(ONOE)" has gained significant traction in India’s political landscape.

Body

Significance of One Nation, One Election :

• Cost Reduction: Simultaneous elections could lead to significant savings in resources like security personnel, polling staff, and election materials.
  • The cost of Lok Sabha elections in India has increased significantly, rising from Rs 10.5 crore in the first election of 1951-52 to Rs 50,000 crore in 2019.
• Reduced Disruptions: Less frequent elections would mean fewer disruptions to public life, benefiting educational institutions often used as polling stations.
  • Thus, ONOE could enhance administrative efficiency by allowing officials to focus more on governance instead of election duties.
• Increased Voter Participation: Supporters argue that simultaneous elections may reduce "election fatigue," potentially leading to higher voter turnout and engagement.
• Streamlined Campaigns: Political parties could benefit from concentrated campaign efforts, allowing smaller parties a better chance to compete effectively.
• Economic Benefits: The Kovind Committee report indicated that India's national real GDP growth could be 1.5% points higher in the year following simultaneous elections compared to the previous year.
• Improved Election Monitoring: The concentrated nature of simultaneous elections might facilitate better election monitoring.

The Challenges of Holding Simultaneous Elections:

• Threat to Federalism: Synchronizing national and state elections could overshadow local issues, as the national narrative may dominate electoral discourse.
  • This could result in national parties overshadowing regional voices, diminishing the representation of local concerns and needs, which are often best understood by state-level parties.
  • Simultaneous voting may confuse less informed or first-time voters, leading to uninformed choices and more invalid votes, which could undermine democracy.
• Logistical Challenges: Organizing simultaneous elections would place immense strain on the resources and capabilities of the ECI and security forces.
  • Implementing simultaneous elections would require a significant purchase of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) machines.
• Constitutional Concerns: Implementing ONOE would necessitate significant amendments to the Constitution and Representation of People Act, 1951 (RPA) potentially altering its fundamental structure.
  • Some amendments will require a special majority of one third members under art 368 and require ratification by more than half of India's states.
• Reduced Accountability: Frequent elections keep representatives vigilant, but experts warn that less frequent elections might reduce their accountability, limiting voters' chances to express dissatisfaction.
  • This could lead to complacency among elected officials, reducing their responsiveness to constituent needs and concerns.
• Pressure on Election Machinery: The ECI would face significant pressure to conduct free and fair elections simultaneously across the country.
  • Any systemic failures or irregularities could have far-reaching consequences, potentially eroding public trust in the electoral process and institutions.

Conclusion

While proponents for "One Nation, One Election" emphasize the potential for streamlined administration and improved policy focus, significant concerns remain regarding the impact on federalism, local representation, and the practical challenges of implementation. As India navigates this complex issue, it is crucial to engage in thorough discussions, consider diverse perspectives, and ensure that any reforms uphold the principles of democracy and equity in representation.