Simultaneous elections in India : One Nation, One Election

India, the world’s largest democracy, has evolved over 75 years, overcoming multiple challenges throughout its democratic journey to establish a vibrant electoral system.

- DIVYANSHI GUPTA & AMIT PANDEY

With around 96.88 crore registered voters, India boasts a diverse yet rich political landscape. The proactive electoral participation of Indian citizens, regardless of gender, race, caste, community, or religion can be reflected by the 65.79% voter turnout in the 2024 General Elections. The Election Commission of India (ECI) tagline for Lok Sabha Elections 2024, “Chunav ka Parv, Desh ka Garv” underlines the celebration of elections like festivals.

The Election Commission of India (ECI), an autonomous body empowered by the Constitution, upholds electoral credit-ability and integrity at every administrative level. Over the years, the ECI has introduced numerous electoral reforms, yet several grey areas to align with the nation’s evolving political setting.

One such reform is the “One Nation, One Election” or ONOE proposal, approved by the Union Cabinet on September 19, 2024, following extensive discussions and multiple considerations. The report by the high-level committee, headed by former president Ram Nath Kovind revolves around the synchronisation of elections across all levels of government, offering potential benefits like reduced electoral expenses, minimization of continuous political disruptions, etc. However, the proposal of ONOE presents significant challenges as well.

THE IDEA AND BACKGROUND OF 'ONE NATION, ONE ELECTION'

The idea of ‘One Nation, One Election’ aims to restructure the Indian electoral calendar, wherein the state legislative elections in every one of 28 states and 8 union territories and the Lok Sabha elections shall be conducted simultaneously every five years or staggered within a predetermined cycle.