The One Nation, One Election initiative refers to the simultaneous conduct of elections for the Lok Sabha (the lower house of Parliament) and all state legislative assemblies throughout India. Although this initiative was a key objective outlined in the BJP's 2019 manifesto, numerous challenges remain in its implementation. These challenges encompass conceptual, financial, constitutional, and logistical aspects. The task of executing this proposal in a country as extensive as India, which is characterized by significant cultural and geographical diversity, presents considerable difficulties.
The Union Cabinet endorsed the 'One Nation One Election' proposal, following the recommendations of a high-level committee chaired by former President Ram Nath Kovind. The committee engaged with the Election Commission, economists, and representatives from over 39 political parties. While the committee supports the "One Nation, One Election" proposal, it emphasizes the necessity for a legally sustainable framework to realign the electoral cycles. The report has been presented to the current President of India, Droupadi Murmu, and it states that the committee is in unanimous agreement on the need for simultaneous elections in the country.
The rationale for the One Nation, One Election proposal was articulated by Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, who also addressed the potential challenges associated with it. According to the Union Law Minister's statements in Parliament, one significant advantage of conducting simultaneous elections is the reduction in financial expenditures. The One Nation, One Election initiative effectively minimizes the costs associated with deploying security personnel and election officials multiple times throughout the year. Furthermore, this approach could lead to decreased expenses related to political party campaigns. Additionally, holding elections concurrently may enhance voter turnout, which currently fluctuates across different states.
Proposal of Ram Nath Kovind Panel
The panel advised that the initial measure should be to conduct simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and state Assemblies, subsequently followed by coordinated local body elections within a timeframe of 100 days. It also proposed the establishment of an 'Implementation Group' tasked with overseeing the execution of these recommendations. Furthermore, the panel recommended that the Election Commission, in collaboration with state election authorities, prepare a unified electoral roll and voter ID cards. Additionally, it put forth 18 constitutional amendments, the majority of which will not necessitate ratification by state Assemblies, although specific constitutional amendment bills will need to be approved by Parliament.
How to implement One Nation One Election
According to the roadmap presented by the committee headed by former President Ram Nath Kovind, simultaneous elections will require 18 amendments to existing laws, including 15 amendments to the Constitution. However, few experts cite that this amendment must receive ratification from both the state governments and the governments of the union territories to avoid the allegations of infringing upon the federal structure of the country. But it is not compulsory to take the approval of majority of states.
Specific amendments are required for Article 83 (Duration of Houses of Parliament), Article 85 (related to sessions of Parliament), Article 172 (related to duration of state legislatures in India), Article 174 (related to sessions of the State Legislature), and Article 356 (related to President's rule) of the Indian Constitution. A significant challenge in implementing this plan lies in the uncertainty regarding the management of situations arising from the dissolution of legislative bodies or the imposition of President's Rule. According to public opinion polls conducted in India, there appears to be a readiness among the populace to embrace this initiative, with over 21,000 suggestions submitted. Notably, approximately 81 percent of these suggestions expressed support for the One Nation, One Election plan.
Requirements of the Election Commission of India.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has indicated that a minimum of Rs 8,000 crore will be necessary to acquire the electronic voting machines (EVMs) and voter verifiable paper audit trails (VVPATs) required for conducting simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and state Assemblies. This estimate does not account for the needs associated with local body elections, which fall under the jurisdiction of State Election Commissions.
According to the ECI's assessment from March 2023, the number of polling stations for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in 2024 is projected to rise by 15%, reaching approximately 11.93 lakh, compared to 10.38 lakh in 2019. This increase will subsequently necessitate a greater number of polling personnel and EVMs.
The ECI has also stated that a total of 4,719 companies from the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) will be required for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Should elections for all state Assemblies occur concurrently with the Lok Sabha elections, these figures would likely escalate.
For the simultaneous elections anticipated in 2029, the ECI estimates that 53.76 lakh ballot units, 38.67 lakh control units of EVMs, and 41.65 lakh VVPATs will be required. This projection represents an increase of 26.55 lakh ballot units, 17.78 lakh control units, and 17.79 lakh VVPATs beyond the current inventory, with an estimated cost of Rs 7,951.37 crore. It is important to note that this figure excludes expenses related to transportation, warehousing, first-level checking, and other associated costs.
Furthermore, the ECI has highlighted that the two state-owned enterprises responsible for manufacturing EVMs and VVPATs, Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) and Electronics Corporation of India Ltd (ECIL), will require sufficient time to produce the additional units necessary for the simultaneous elections.
Conclusion
Overall, One Nation One elections is a visionary thought, keeping politics apart it shall be appreciated and given the support. It is in the interest of the nation at large and this move will also end unnecessary chaos of Indian TV channels with much better news and debates are expected to be seen, as the topic of debate might be different and political rallies will reduce significantly. Due to 5 yearly elections together for both the Lok Sabha and state assemblies much more progressive thoughts will be discussed in the country rather than casteism or reservation. Hopefully this translates to reality. Jai Hind!
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