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A major step towards reforming India's election process is expected as the government plans to introduce a constitutional amendment bill in Parliament on Tuesday. The bill seeks to implement "One Nation, One Election," aiming to hold Lok Sabha (parliamentary) and state
assembly elections simultaneously across the country.
The Bill and Its Purpose
The proposed legislation, called the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Amendment) Bill, 2024, is being championed by Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal. According to government sources, the bill will likely be referred to a joint committee of Parliament for further discussions and consultations.
The concept of "One Nation, One Election" is not new. Between 1951 and 1967, India followed a system where Lok Sabha and state assembly elections were held concurrently.
However, over time, this practice was disrupted due to premature dissolutions of state assemblies and other factors. Reviving this system has been a recurring topic in policy discussions since 1983 and is seen as a way to streamline the election process, save costs, and reduce the frequency of election-related disruptions.
Joint Committee for Wider Consultations
After introducing the bill, Minister Meghwal is expected to request Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to refer it to a Joint Committee of Parliament. This committee will include members from various political parties, selected proportionately based on their representation in Parliament.
As the largest party, the BJP will chair the committee and have a significant number of members in it. The committee will initially be given 90 days to deliberate, although this timeline could be extended depending on the discussions.
Meghwal is likely to emphasize the need for extensive consultations with lawmakers, experts, and the public to ensure the proposal is thoroughly examined. The Speaker will ask all parties to nominate their members for the panel on the same day. If any party fails to provide names, they risk losing representation on the committee.
Key Stakeholders and Support
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, a member of the high-level committee chaired by former President Ram Nath Kovind, is expected to be present during the bill’s introduction. The Kovind-led committee had earlier explored the feasibility of "One Nation, One Election" and recommended holding Lok Sabha, state assembly,
and even local body elections simultaneously, though in a phased manner.
Kovind's committee also revealed mixed reactions from political parties during the consultation process: 32 parties supported the idea, while 15 opposed it. Despite differing opinions, the government appears committed to pursuing this reform for national elections and state assemblies, leaving local body polls to be dealt with later.
Government’s Perspective
Last week, the Union Cabinet approved two bills aimed at holding concurrent elections for Parliament and state assemblies. The government argues that simultaneous elections will:
- Reduce the financial burden on the exchequer.
- Minimize repeated disruptions to governance caused by the Model Code of Conduct during frequent elections.
- Allow the government to focus on policymaking and development without the distraction of multiple election cycles.
However, the government acknowledges that this significant reform requires changes to the Constitution and extensive deliberations.
Opposition and Challenges
While the idea of "One Nation, One Election" has its merits, critics argue that it might undermine federalism by centralizing power and reducing the autonomy of state governments. They also highlight logistical challenges, such as ensuring the availability of enough electronic voting machines (EVMs) and security personnel to manage such a large-scale election.
Additionally, simultaneous elections may face hurdles in cases where a government at the state or central level falls prematurely, potentially necessitating a rethinking of mechanisms for by-elections or alternative governance structures.
Next Steps
Once the bill is introduced, the Speaker will likely announce the composition of the joint committee by the evening. Parties that fail to nominate members will lose their chance to be part of the deliberations. The proposed committee will examine the bill, consult stakeholders, and submit its recommendations.
Historical Context
Simultaneous elections were a norm in India’s early years, conducted from 1951 to 1967. However, they were disrupted due to the dissolution of some state assemblies and other political developments. Advocates of this reform view it as a return to the original practice, ensuring more stability and efficiency in the electoral process.
Conclusion
The introduction of the "One Nation, One Election" bill marks a significant move towards reshaping India's democratic framework. While it promises cost savings and administrative efficiency, it also raises critical questions about implementation and impact on the country’s federal structure.
The coming weeks will likely see intense debates and discussions as Parliament and the public weigh the pros and cons of this ambitious proposal.
