The Economics of Democracy: Why 'One Nation, One Election' Matters Now

India's democratic strength lies not just in its vast electorate but in the frequency with which its citizens are called upon to exercise their franchise.

- DR. PRADIP KUMAR VARMA

Since independence, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has successfully conducted over 400 elections to the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies, showcasing a robust commitment to fairness, transparency, and institutional integrity. However, the fragmented and continuous cycle of elections has also exposed the inefficiencies and disruptions inherent in this system. It is in this context that the idea of "One Nation, One Election" (ONOE) has resurfaced as a transformative and pragmatic reform.

The concept of simultaneous elections—where voters cast their ballots for both Lok Sabha and State Assemblies on the same day in their constituencies—offers a unified, streamlined electoral process. Though voting could still occur in phases across regions, the core objective is to harmonise electoral timelines to optimise governance, reduce logistical burdens, and mitigate the excessive financial and administrative strain of frequent polls.

The 2024 report of the High-Level Committee (HLC) on Simultaneous Elections, chaired by former President Ram Nath Kovind, provides a comprehensive roadmap for realising this vision. With the Union Cabinet accepting its recommendations on 18th September 2024, India is now poised for a critical national debate on how to modernise its democratic processes without compromising federal values.