ONE NATION ONE ELECTION

“A nation’s progress depends on the strength of its democratic institutions and the inclusiveness of its processes.”
— Dr. B.R. Ambedkar

WHAT IS ONE NATION, ONE ELECTION?

The concept of One Nation One Election is a proposal of synchronising the Lok Sabha election and State Legislative Assemblies Election, holding both elections simultaneously across the country. The aim is to ensure uniform India’s electoral calendar and reduce the cost administrative efforts go in managing frequent elections and also reduce governance challenges and divert government to policy making instead of focusing on constant election mode.

The Bill was introduced on 17, December 2024 in Lok Sabha by Union law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal. 

A High level Committee presided by ex President Ram Nath Kovind recommended the ONOE bill; ONOE proposes a fundamental shift in India’s democratic framework.

This Bill will amend the Constitution provisions under Article 83 and 172 but also aims to introduce one new Article 82A for conducting simultaneous elections at both levels. 

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF ONE NATION ONE ELECTION (ONOE)

KEY ASPECTS OF THE BILL

1. Synchronised Elections:
   The Bill proposes that Lok Sabha and state legislative Assembly elections be held together, starting from a centrally appointed date, ensuring a unified five-year electoral term.
2. Amendments to Key Articles:
   • Article 83: Defines the term of the Lok Sabha at five years from the appointed date.
   • Article 172: Define tenure of state Assemblies with the Lok Sabha.
   • New Article 82A: Will Define the framework for holding elections at both levels simultaneously.
3. Partial Term Adjustments:
   To maintain the sync in case of premature dissolution of Lok Sabha or State Assembly a newly elected body will serve as a reminder of the five year term. 
4. Cost Efficiency:
   The government emphasises that ONOE will drastically reduce the administrative and financial burden of frequent elections, allowing the Election Commission to optimise resources and minimise voter fatigue.

A CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT: WHAT TYPE IS THIS?

Under Article 368 of the Constitution, amendments are categorised based on their impact:

1. Special Majority Amendment: Requires two-thirds of the members present and voting in each House of Parliament, with at least 50% of the total membership constituting the quorum.
2. State Ratification Amendment: Needs approval of minimum of 50% of the state legislatures if amendment is related to federal structure state representation or the 7th schedule. 

The Bill’s influence on the independence of state legislatures and its ability to change the federal structure has sparked a discussion on the necessity of state ratification.

PROS OF ONOE

1. Reduced Financial Burden:
   Holding elections at both the levels will reduce the cost that will incur while holding elections at different locations again and again, which is like maintaining security forces,election staff and election staff along with logistic arrangements. 
2. Minimised Governance Disruptions:
   Less of Campaigning Mode as different  location elections lead to campaigning over and again, More concentrating on the Policymaking not prioritising short-term populism.
3. Strengthened Policy Focus:
   Uninterrupted Policy Making schedules even implementation will not be delayed because of any election or will not be moulded as per the coming election at different locations. 
4. Enhanced Voter Convenience:
   • Less Election to and fro. By going to both again and again for different levels.
   • Greater participation by the Citizens
   • No Multiple election, Single Election.

CONS OF ONOE

1. Federalism Concerns:
   Power will be shifted to Center, balance of power will also shifted.
2. Democratic Risks:
   • It can also lead to shorter terms due to sometimes premature dissolution of assemblies
   • It can also reduce democratic representation.
3. Operational Challenges:
   Due to India’s vastness there can be security and logistic challenges while operationalizing this process.
4. Judicial Scrutiny:
   Critics argue that the Bill contravenes the federalism principle enshrined in the basic structure doctrine of the Constitution.
5. Disruption of Local Governance:
   This can also dilute the focus of the grassroot governance by aligning local body & Panchayati raj election which will ultimately can lead to disruption of local governance. 

This step towards India’s long standing process process is a very bold step, which aims to simplify the election process by introducing a single election for both the levels. This proposal is not just for streamlining India’s election process but also concerns about its effects on the basic structure of the Constitution which include federalism, democratic representation and governance. The Bill has undeniable financial and administrative advantages but balance of power is also necessary to govern a country like India which is unignorable.

The success of this ambitious reform lies on the inclusive approach which means all that consulting and ensuring that all the stakeholders like political parties, state government and Civil Society are adequately recognised. The bill is being reviewed by legislatures and Courts thoroughly, the principle of cooperative federalism should steer its application.

India’s ability to balance the many aspirations of its people with the solidarity of its people has shaped its journey towards democracy.

END NOTE:

This is a debate of electoral Democracy not just One Nation One Election or  legislative exercise but it is a litmus test of India’s Democratic Maturity.

SOURCE- ONE NATION ONE ELECTION- PRSIndia

ALSO READ- ONE NATION ONE ELECTION