ONE NATION ONE ELECTION
Edited by canva
I am writing this article to share my views on one nation one elections as the election process is on surge in India and we took it as a festival. So lets know about this idea and its feasibility in India.
India is a country known for its unique conduction of elections. One Nation one elections means all the elections of state assemblies and lok sabha will held at same time in all over country . At present time elections of state assemblies take place at different time in different states . But by this proposal all elections of state assemblies and lok shabha will held at same time in all over India.
The Rationale Behind ONОЕ:
Their are some advantages which are in favor of one election one nation.
Cost Savings: Conducting multiple elections across the country throughout the year is a significant financial burden. OНОЕ could potentially save crores of rupees by streamlining the process and reducing logistical expenses.
Focus on Governance: The Model Code of Conduct, which restricts government activity during elections, disrupts policy implementation and development projects. By reducing the frequency of elections, OНОЕ could allow governments to focus more on governance and public service delivery.
By doing simultaneous elections it will reduce the campaign expenses of political parties and will help them in financial resources.
During elections large security forces are deployed for large time so by doing only one election we can better use the power of security forces to resolve internal security matters.
Challenges and Considerations:
However, implementing OНОЕ is not without its challenges.
Constitutionality: Critics argue that frequent state elections are a cornerstone of Indian democracy. They ensure that state governments remain accountable to their electorates and reflect the federal structure of the country. Amending the constitution to accommodate OНОЕ could be a complex and politically charged process.
Logistical Hurdles: Managing a nationwide election on such a massive scale would be a the biggest logistical nightmare for the Election Commission. Security arrangements, ballot printing, and voter mobilization would require meticulous planning and significant resources.
Drowning Out Local Issues: National political narratives and charismatic national leaders could overshadow state-specific concerns during a combined election. This could disadvantage regional parties and make it difficult for voters to focus on issues specific to their states.
The Road Ahead:
In September 2023, a special team led by former President Ram Nath Kovind was set up to look into whether having just one election for everything at the same time could work. This team finished its research and gave its findings to the government in 2024. The contents of the report and the government's next steps on OНОЕ are yet to be made public.
The debate surrounding OНОЕ is likely to continue. It has advantages as well as disadvantages. Whether India ultimately adopts OНОЕ remains to be seen, but it's a proposal that can change the election of India in very powerful way.