Balbir Ram Rattan
The concept of *One Nation, One Election* (ONOE) proposes holding simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha (Indian Parliament) and all State Legislative Assemblies across India. This initiative aims to streamline the electoral process, reduce frequent disruptions caused by multiple elections, and promote more effective governance.
In India, elections are held at various levels-national, state, and local. However, the current system leads to elections being held nearly every year in different states, which often results in the imposition of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC). The MCC restricts the government’s ability to implement new policies and initiate developmental work. ONOE seeks to resolve these issues by establishing a unified electoral cycle, improving administrative efficiency, and fostering better governance and economic stability.
The ONOE concept suggests holding elections for both the Lok Sabha and all State Legislative Assemblies simultaneously. This system was in place from 1951 to 1967, but due to factors like political instability, early dissolution of assemblies, and untimely elections in several states, the synchronized election cycle was disrupted. Since then, elections have been held at different times based on the tenure of state governments and the central government.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been a strong advocate for ONOE, emphasizing its potential to enhance efficiency, reduce election-related expenses, and bring stability to governance.
India currently experiences multiple elections each year at various levels, leading to disruptions in governance, burdens on administrative machinery, and significant resource diversion. ONOE aims to hold elections once every five years, allowing governments to focus more on governance than on constant campaigning. Key objectives include: Reducing Electoral Expenses.
Elections in India are resource-intensive, with the Election Commission, political parties, and candidates spending huge money. A synchronized election process would significantly cut these costs.
The imposition of the MCC during frequent elections hampers governance and policy-making. A unified election cycle would allow governments to function continuously without the periodic disruptions that elections cause.
Frequent elections often encourage populist measures aimed at winning votes. With ONOE, political parties would focus on long-term policies and sustainable development rather than short-term electoral gains.
Repeated elections often lead to voter fatigue, reducing participation. Holding a single election would increase enthusiasm and voter turnout, strengthening democratic engagement.
Simultaneous elections would encourage greater cooperation between central and state governments. This alignment could lead to more balanced development and efficient implementation of national and regional policies.
One of the major advantages of ONOE is the reduction in election-related costs. Elections require extensive resources-logistics, security, and mobilization efforts from both the government and political parties. A synchronized election cycle would eliminate repeated costs associated with these efforts.
In addition, holding elections less frequently would help governments focus on long-term policy-making, fostering a more stable political environment.
Many development projects often stall due to election-related restrictions and the imposition of the MCC. A unified election schedule would allow uninterrupted governance, contributing to sustained economic and social progress.
Implementing ONOE would require significant changes to India’s constitution. Modifications to the *Representation of the People Act* and other electoral laws would be necessary. Managing leadership vacuums in cases where a government collapses before its term ends could be a challenge. Solutions like interim governments or the imposition of Presidents’ Rule might be explored, but they may face political resistance.
Despite these challenges, the successful implementation of ONOE could drastically transform India’s electoral and governance systems. By reducing election-related disruptions, cutting costs, and promoting policy continuity, ONOE offers the potential for significant improvements in governance.
A carefully planned, phased approach involving thorough consultations with political stakeholders and experts is essential for its successful adoption. If executed properly, *One Nation, One Election* could bolster India’s democracy, making it more efficient and development-oriented for the future.
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