One Nation, One Election – Key Legislative Developments

The Government of India has initiated steps to implement the long-promised One Nation, One Election policy. This proposal aims to synchronise elections for the Lok Sabha and state Assemblies. On Tuesday, Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal presented two Bills in the Lok Sabha to facilitate this process. The primary objective is to streamline the electoral process and reduce the frequency of elections.

Overview of the Proposed Bills

The two Bills introduced are the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Amendment) Bill, 2024, and the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024. The first Bill seeks to amend three articles of the Constitution and introduce new provisions for simultaneous elections. The second Bill addresses the governance of Union Territories in relation to this electoral framework.

Key Features of the Constitution Amendment Bill

The Constitution Amendment Bill proposes the introduction of Article 82A. This article outlines the procedure for conducting simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and state Assemblies. It states that the President can notify the implementation of these changes at the first sitting of the Lok Sabha following a general election. The Bill also specifies that if a state Assembly election is deferred, its term will end concurrently with the Lok Sabha’s term.

Mid-Term Elections and Their Implications

The Bill addresses scenarios involving mid-term elections. If the Lok Sabha is dissolved before its full term, the subsequent election will only cover the unexpired term. This means that new elections will not extend the previous Lok Sabha’s term. Similar provisions apply to state Assemblies, ensuring a consistent electoral cycle across the nation.

Amendments to Existing Articles

The proposed changes will amend Articles 83 and 172, which govern the duration of Parliament and state legislatures. These amendments aim to facilitate the conduct of simultaneous elections. They clarify the process for holding elections in case of early dissolution and ensure that the electoral framework remains robust.

Exclusion of Municipal Elections

The current Bills do not include provisions for municipal elections. This exclusion simplifies the legislative process, as including municipal elections would require ratification from a majority of state legislatures. The focus remains solely on synchronising Lok Sabha and state Assembly elections.

Implementation Timeline

If passed, the constitutional amendments could be implemented as early as the 2034 election cycle. This timeline depends on the completion of full terms by the current Lok Sabha and state Assemblies. The earliest possible date for the first sitting of the Lok Sabha is in 2029.

Recommendations from the High-Level Committee

The proposed amendments align with the recommendations from the High-Level Committee on One Nation, One Election, chaired by former President Ram Nath Kovind. The committee’s report emphasises the need for a systematic approach to synchronising elections to enhance governance and reduce electoral fatigue.

Impact on Governance and Political Landscape

The introduction of simultaneous elections is expected to have impact on governance in India. It aims to reduce the frequency of elections, allowing governments to focus on policy implementation rather than constant campaigning. This could lead to more stable governance and better resource allocation.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Critically examine the implications of the “One Nation, One Election” policy on India’s federal structure.
2. Discuss in the light of recent amendments, the significance of synchronising state and central elections.
3. Explain the potential challenges in implementing the “One Nation, One Election” policy.
4. What are the constitutional provisions regarding mid-term elections? How do they affect the electoral process in India?

Answer Hints:

1. Critically examine the implications of the “One Nation, One Election” policy on India’s federal structure.

1. This policy may centralize electoral power, potentially diminishing states’ autonomy.
2. A synchronized electoral cycle could undermine regional issues that require focused attention.
3. It could lead to a uniform governance approach, neglecting local governance nuances.
4. States might have less influence in the national political arena due to synchronized timing.
5. However, it may also enhance cooperative federalism by aligning state and central priorities.

2. Discuss in the light of recent amendments, the significance of synchronising state and central elections.

1. Synchronisation aims to reduce electoral fatigue and streamline governance.
2. It could lead to cost savings for the Election Commission and taxpayers.
3. Amendments ensure a consistent electoral process, enhancing political stability.
4. Aligned elections may encourage voters to consider national issues more than local ones.
5. It facilitates better policy continuity and implementation across different government levels.

3. Explain the potential challenges in implementing the “One Nation, One Election” policy.

1. Logistical challenges in conducting simultaneous elections across diverse regions.
2. Resistance from political parties that benefit from staggered elections.
3. Legal hurdles related to constitutional amendments and state ratifications.
4. Voter engagement might decrease due to the overwhelming scale of simultaneous voting.
5. Risk of overshadowing local issues and candidates in favor of national narratives.

4. What are the constitutional provisions regarding mid-term elections? How do they affect the electoral process in India?

1. Article 83 allows for Lok Sabha dissolution before the full term, leading to mid-term elections.
2. New elections only cover the unexpired term, ensuring continuity in governance.
3. Pending bills in the dissolved House expire, impacting legislative processes.
4. State Assemblies face similar provisions under Article 172, maintaining consistency.
5. Mid-term elections can disrupt the electoral cycle, affecting political stability.