One Nation, One Election: A path toward governance improvement and efficiency

This proposal is well in accordance with our constitutional provisions.

- ANIL K. ANTONY

The One Nation One Election (ONOE) proposal is one of the most progressive and transformative reforms introduced by the Narendra Modi government, with the potential to bring about significant positive change in our democratic, electoral, and political systems. It seeks to synchronize national and state elections, reducing disruptions, lowering financial burdens, and improving overall governance.

THE CASE FOR SIMULTANEOUS ELECTIONS The "One Nation, One Election” (ONOE) proposal addresses several challenges posed by the current system of frequent elections, offering compelling reasons for its adoption. One of the most pressing reasons for adopting ONOE is the financial strain caused by frequent elections. For example, the total expenditure of the 2024 general elections was estimated to exceed Rs 135,000 crore, making it the most expensive election ever globally. Simultaneous elections would consolidate resources, reduce repetitive expenditures and significantly lower costs. Each election also triggers the Model Code of Conduct (MCC), which restricts the government's ability to launch new policies or initiatives. This leads to delays in development and hampers governance. Fewer elections would minimize MCC impositions, allowing uninterrupted policy implementation and better governance.