Go Unlimited with Magzter GOLD
Get unlimited access to 10,000+ magazines, newspapers and Premium stories for just
The Economics of Democracy: Why 'One Nation, One Election' Matters Now
The Daily Guardian
|May 07, 2025
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.
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 harmonize electoral timelines to optimize 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 realizing 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 modernize its democratic processes without compromising federal values.
HISTORICAL CONTEXT AND DISRUPTION
This story is from the May 07, 2025 edition of The Daily Guardian.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 10,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM The Daily Guardian
The Daily Guardian
Delhi steps up green transport push with 100 new electric buses
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Thursday flagged off 100 new electric buses and launched the Delhi-Dharuhera interstate bus service from the Inter-State Bus Terminal, pitching public transport expansion as a key weapon against air pollution as the capital continued to choke under 'very poor' air quality.
1 min
December 19, 2025
The Daily Guardian
'Over 1.04 cr signatures; mother of all scams': Ex-CM YS Jagan Mohan Reddy
Terming the privatisation of medical colleges as the \"mother of all scams\", YS-RCP president and former Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy said more than one crore people had opposed the move and expressed solidarity with the party, asserting that protests would continue until the decision is reversed.
1 mins
December 19, 2025
The Daily Guardian
Indians face longest US green card waits as China backlog eases
The latest US Visa Bulletin for January 2026 has once again highlighted the scale of immigration backlogs faced by Indian applicants, with wait times across several familyand employment-based green card categories stretching from over a decade to nearly 25 years, making India one of the most affected countries under the current US immigration system.
2 mins
December 19, 2025
The Daily Guardian
Israel launches series of strikes on Lebanon
Israel carried out a series of airstrikes on southern and northeastern Lebanon on Thursday (December 18, 2025) as a deadline looms to disarm the militant Hezbollah group along the tense frontier.
1 min
December 19, 2025
The Daily Guardian
After nationwide flight chaos, CCI initiates inquiry against IndiGo
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has initiated an inquiry into IndiGo following mass flight disruptions earlier this month that led to widespread passenger inconvenience, fare spikes and allegations of abuse of market dominance, marking one of the most serious regulatory challenges faced by the airline in its 20-year history.
2 mins
December 19, 2025
The Daily Guardian
WHATEVER HAPPENS IS FOR GOOD: EMBRACING LIFE WITH FAITH
Life is a series of experiences joys, sorrows, successes, and setbacks.
2 mins
December 19, 2025
The Daily Guardian
Saudi, French and U.S. officials push Hezbollah disarmament plan
French, Saudi Arabian and American officials will hold talks with the head of the Lebanese army on Thursday in Paris aimed at finalising a roadmap to enable a mechanism for the disarmament of the Hezbollah group, diplomats said.
1 min
December 19, 2025
The Daily Guardian
The Power of Words: Shaping reality through speech
Words are not merely sounds we utter; they are powerful vibrations that shape our thoughts, emotions, and reality.
2 mins
December 19, 2025
The Daily Guardian
India, Oman sign CEPA to deepen Gulf trade ties
India and Oman have formally signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in Muscat during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's official visit, signalling a significant deepening of economic ties and a strategic expansion of India's engagement with the Gulf region, as New Delhi seeks to diversify trade partnerships amid shifting global economic dynamics and rising tariff barriers elsewhere.
2 mins
December 19, 2025
The Daily Guardian
Viksit Bharat G-RAM-G Bill passed after marathon debate in Parliament
The Lok Sabha on Thursday passed the Viksit BharatGuarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill, 2025, replacing MGN-REGA with a new rural employment framework aligned with the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision, amid sustained Opposition protests.
1 min
December 19, 2025
Listen
Translate
Change font size