Simultaneous Elections is a concept that aims at synchronizing the election cycle in India, such that both Lok Sabha (Parliamentary) elections and state Assembly elections take place within a certain time frame. This concept was in practice until 1967 but lost its continuity due to unforeseen dissolution of Assemblies and Lok Sabhas before their stipulated terms ended. Currently, only a few states including Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Odisha, and Sikkim, mesh their elections with the Lok Sabha polls. The significance of this concept has been brought into deliberation yet again, with the Central government setting up a panel led by former President Ram Nath Kovind, to probe the feasibility of the ‘one nation, one election’ (ONOE) plan.
Advantages of Simultaneous Elections
As per a draft report on simultaneous elections by the Law Commission of India (LCI) in August 2018, implementing ONOE would lead to public money conservation, lessening of administrative strain and security forces, timely execution of governmental policies, and an increased focus on development activities than electioneering.
Feasibility and Challenges for Implementing Simultaneous Elections
Implementing simultaneous elections presents complex issues of feasibility, especially if the Central or State government collapses mid-term. The Indian constitution’s Article 83(2) and Article 172 dictate that the tenure of Lok Sabha and State Assemblies respectively shall last up to five years unless dissolved earlier. Hence, making amendments to the constitution for such a major change would require careful study and contemplation of various situations and provisions. Simultaneously, it would also set an alarming precedent for future constitutional amendments.
The Election Commission and Federalism: Major Considerations
The Election Commission of India (ECI) presented a feasibility report to the government in 2015, suggesting changes to the constitution and the Representation of the People Act, 1951. Nevertheless, the idea of ONOE could potentially conflict with the principle of ‘federalism,’ as it essentially proposes that the entire nation is one entity, contradicting Article 1 which recognizes India as a ‘Union of States.’
Economic Implications, EVM Requirement, and Voter Behavior
The ECI stated that simultaneous elections would necessitate a considerable budget allocation, approximated at Rs 9,284.15 crore. This would cover the procurement of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter-Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) machines and their replacement every 15 years. Additionally, there would be an increase in warehousing costs due to the storage of these machines between elections. It is also argued that ONOE might influence voter behavior, causing them to vote based on national issues even in state elections, thereby affecting the stature of regional parties.
Accountability Concerns and Job Creation
The current system of regular elections can be seen as advantageous in a democracy as it enables more frequent feedback from voters and helps in keeping the politicians accountable. The distinct set of issues for state and national elections ensures greater accountability and prevents blending of issues. Moreover, elections create a substantial number of jobs, thus stimulating the economy at the grassroots level.
Restoring Simultaneous Elections in India
According to the Law Commission Working Paper (2018), simultaneous elections could be reintroduced through changes in the Constitution, Representation of the People Act, 1951 and amendments in the Rules of Procedure of Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies. This would involve introducing measures such as replacing the no-confidence motion with a constructive vote of no-confidence, diluting the Anti-Defection Law and extending the statutory limit for issuing notification of general elections.
Global Perspective on Simultaneous Elections
Countries like South Africa and Sweden have a system wherein national and provincial or local elections are held simultaneously. However, most other large democracies do not follow this system. For instance, Britain introduced the Fixed-term Parliaments Act, 2011 for enhanced stability and predictability of the British Parliament’s tenure.
Way Forward
To avoid hampering developmental work due to frequent elections, it is crucial to thoroughly examine and deliberate on the ‘one nation, one poll’ idea. A consensus among political parties is required along with consideration for public opinion. As a mature democracy, India can then move forward based on the outcome of the debate.
