QUE. “While simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies could lead to policy stability and reduced public expenditure, critics argue they undermine the basic structure of federalism. Critically examine.”

ANS.

Simultaneous elections, popularly termed “One Nation, One Election” (ONOE), refer to structuring the electoral cycle so that elections to the Lok Sabha and all State Legislative Assemblies occur concurrently. India practiced synchronized elections until 1967, when premature dissolutions disrupted the cycle. The High-Level Committee headed by former President Ram Nath Kovind recommended restoring this model to streamline Indian governance.

• Arguments in Favor: Stability and Efficiency

• Policy Continuity and Reduced MCC Impact: Frequent elections enforce the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) repeatedly, halting developmental projects and leading to policy paralysis. ONOE provides governments with an uninterrupted five-year window for long-term planning.
• Fiscal and Administrative Relief: The 2019 General Election cost an estimated ₹60,000 crore. Synchronizing elections reduces public expenditure, minimizes the prolonged deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), and prevents the distraction of teachers and administrative personnel from core duties.
• Mitigation of Governance Short-Termism: Continuous election cycles incentivize populist short-term measures over sound, long-term structural reforms.

• Arguments Against: Federalism and Democratic Concerns

• Erosion of Federal Diversity: National issues and national political narratives risk overwhelming local and regional issues, putting regional political parties at a strategic disadvantage.
• Operational and Constitutional Hurdles: Implementing ONOE requires amending key constitutional provisions, including Articles 83 (Duration of Houses), 85 (Dissolution), 172, 174, and 356 (President’s Rule). Requiring state ratification highlights the inherent federal friction.
• The Problem of Premature Dissolution: If a government falls due to a no-confidence vote or coalition collapse mid-term, holding mid-term elections for a curtailed remainder term or imposing President’s Rule conflicts with parliamentary democratic principles.
• Reduced Accountability: Frequent elections force politicians to remain continuously responsive to the electorate. A fixed five-year gap could lower political accountability.

• Way Forward

1. Phased Implementation: Synchronize state elections in two distinct phases over a transition period before moving to a fully unified schedule.

2. Constructive Vote of No-Confidence: Adopt the German model where a government can only be voted out if an alternative government is simultaneously voted in, preventing premature dissolutions.

3. Consensus Building: Ensure robust consultation across all state governments and political parties to preserve India’s cooperative federalism.

While “One Nation, One Election” offers significant benefits in fiscal savings and administrative efficiency, its execution must not compromise India’s federal structure or democratic responsiveness. The ideal approach balances national stability with local representation.