Sansad TV: One Nation One Election | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

Introduction

Pros of Implementing Simultaneous Polls

• Substantial Cost Reduction: Implementing simultaneous elections would significantly reduce the financial burden on political parties, which currently spend substantial sums on election campaigns. For instance, in the 1951 elections, 53 political parties contested with declared expenses of 11 crores. In contrast, in the 2019 elections, 610 political parties participated, with an estimated expenditure of 60,000 crores, as per the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR).
• Enhanced Governance Opportunities: Simultaneous elections would provide the government with extended periods of uninterrupted governance and the ability to focus on constructive work. The current practice of imposing the model code of conduct for extended periods during elections hampers developmental and welfare activities.
• Legislative and Governance Focus: Elected representatives, particularly those in the ruling parties, could concentrate on legislative activities and governance rather than perpetually engaging in campaign mode.
• Reduced Administrative Burden: Conducting elections at the State and District levels twice within a five-year span, as is the current practice, places a considerable administrative and security burden on the government.
• Educational Sector Relief: The electoral process often involves a significant number of teachers, disrupting the education sector. Simultaneous elections would mitigate this issue.

Cons of Implementing Simultaneous Polls

• Constitutional Amendments Required: Implementing simultaneous elections in India necessitates several amendments to the Constitution. Articles 83 and 172 outline the tenure of the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies, respectively, which would need modification. Provisions related to emergencies and dissolution powers would also require revision.
• Threat to Federal Character: Simultaneous elections may pose a threat to the federal character of Indian democracy. Large national parties may benefit from economies of scale, potentially disadvantaging regional parties.
• Constitutional Concerns: Some argue that simultaneous elections could be inconsistent with the constitutional framework of India.

Recommendations

• Law Commission of India: The Law Commission of India has recommended the implementation of simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies.
• Parliamentary Standing Committee: The 79th report of the parliamentary standing committee on Law and Justice has suggested a two-phase election schedule, with one phase concurrent with Lok Sabha elections and the other in the mid-term of the Lok Sabha.
• Election Commission Support: The Election Commission has expressed its in-principle support for the idea of simultaneous elections.

Challenges

• Lack of Consensus: Political parties hold varying views on the feasibility and desirability of simultaneous elections, making it challenging to achieve a consensus.
• Tenure Adjustment: Simultaneous elections would involve either curtailing or extending the tenure of a House, raising legal and constitutional questions.
• Federalism and Representative Democracy: Critics argue that simultaneous elections could undermine the principles of federalism and representative democracy.
• Complex Parliamentary System: India's parliamentary system is intricate and unique, presenting challenges in harmonizing elections across various tiers of government.
• Constitutional Amendment: Implementing simultaneous elections necessitates constitutional amendments, requiring broad political consensus.

Way Forward

• The "One India One Election" concept could be a positive change if executed with meticulous planning and attention to the increasing need for qualified administrative staff and enhanced security measures. 
• To address these complexities, a dedicated group of constitutional experts, think tanks, government officials, and representatives from political parties should collaborate to develop a well-thought-out implementation strategy.