By Nitish Mahajan
The concept of ‘One Nation, One Election’ aims to synchronize all the elections held across India, allowing simultaneous voting for both the state legislative assemblies and the Lok Sabha. It has the potential to strengthen democracy, ensure efficient governance, save valuable resources, and promote greater political stability in the country.
Currently, elections in India are held separately for the Lok Sabha and the state assemblies at different times. This results in a significant amount of resources, time, and manpower being expended in conducting elections multiple times in the span of a few years. Moreover, the constant cycle of elections tends to disrupt governance and the smooth functioning of the government.
India, being the largest democracy in the world, faces unique challenges when it comes to holding elections. With a population of over a billion people, conducting elections is no small feat. The logistics involved in ensuring a free and fair voting process, the deployment of security forces, and the management of polling stations across the country require substantial resources. Therefore, the idea of holding simultaneous elections has garnered support as a way to consolidate these efforts and streamline the electoral process.
In this regard, a committee was constituted under the former President of India, Ram Nath Kovind, to explore the feasibility of “One Nation, One Election”. This committee will examine the various aspects and implications of implementing this concept and present its findings to the government. If India does move forward with simultaneous elections, it will join the ranks of just three other countries in the world – Belgium, Sweden, and South Africa – that currently hold polls concurrently.
Of these countries, Sweden’s approach to simultaneous elections is particularly noteworthy. Sweden conducts elections for county and municipal councils simultaneously with general elections (Riksdag elections) every four years. This practice has proven to be efficient and has contributed to a more consistent electoral process.
The benefits of implementing “One Nation, One Election” in India are significant. One of the primary advantages is the reduction in costs associated with conducting frequent elections. By holding elections simultaneously, the expenses for logistics, security, and manpower can be significantly reduced. This would free up resources that could be redirected towards developmental projects and initiatives aimed at improving the lives of citizens.
Furthermore, the frequent interruptions caused by election campaigns and code of conduct regulations hinder the government’s ability to implement long-term policies and reforms. By aligning the timing of elections, the government could focus on governance and effective decision-making without constant disruptions. This would result in more stable and sustainable development in the country.
Additionally, simultaneous elections would also lead to increased voter participation. Currently, voter fatigue is a common occurrence as citizens are called to vote multiple times within a short span of a few years. By consolidating elections, citizens would be more motivated and engaged in the electoral process, leading to higher voter turnout. This would strengthen the voice of the people and foster a more representative democracy.
Critics of the “One Nation, One Election” proposal argue that it may undermine the federal nature of India’s democracy. They believe that staggered elections allow for greater regional representation and give states the freedom to choose their own governments based on local issues. However, it is important to note that simultaneous elections would not infringe upon the states’ autonomy. State elections would still be held, albeit in sync with the national elections, thus striking a balance between national unity and regional representation. As India moves towards becoming the third-largest economy in the world by 2027, it is imperative to re-imagine and redefine its democratic processes. The visionary leadership of Prime Minister Modi has propelled the country towards progress and development. Implementing “One Nation, One Election” would be a significant step in this direction. It would not only bolster the efficiency of the democratic system but also inspire confidence in India’s stability and governance on the global stage.
The concept of “One Nation, One Election” holds great potential for India’s democracy. By aligning the timing of elections for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies, the country can reduce costs, enhance governance, and promote greater voter participation. India has the opportunity to join the ranks of a select few countries that already hold simultaneous elections, setting an example for other nations. As India continues to progress under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Modi, implementing “One Nation, One Election” will serve as a gateway to a stronger and more progressive democracy.
(Co – Incharge BJP
social media department JKUT).