What is One Nation One Election, How Does it Work, Advantages & Disadvantages

The concept of "One Nation One Election" aims to conduct simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and all state assemblies across India, with voting taking place concurrently. Currently, general elections for the Parliament and state assemblies are held separately, either when the government’s tenure ends or due to dissolution. To explore the feasibility of this idea, the government formed a committee led by former President Ram Nath Kovind.. 

What Is One Nation One Election?

Simultaneous Elections, also known as "One Nation One Election," involve holding elections for all State Legislative Assemblies, the Lok Sabha, and local bodies (Municipalities and Panchayats) at the same time across India. From 1951-52 to 1967, elections for the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies were held simultaneously. However, since then, elections have been held at different times each year, often leading to significant government expenses, diversion of security forces and electoral officers, and disruptions in developmental activities due to the Model Code of Conduct.

In light of these challenges, the Law Commission of India, in its 170th Report on Electoral Law Reforms, recommended the consideration of simultaneous elections. Under the "One Nation One Election" concept, elections would occur only once every five years for both the Lok Sabha and all State Legislative Assemblies, streamlining the electoral process and reducing the strain on resources and governance.

How Does One Nation One Election Work?

The first step in making One Nation One Election work is to conduct simultaneous elections for the State Legislative Assemblies and the House of the People. For this, there is no requirement for the ratification by the states of constitutional amendments. 

The second step will be to synchronise elections of the Panchayats and Municipalities with the State Legislative Assemblies and the House of the People in such a way that Panchayats and Municipalities elections are held within 100 days of holding elections to the House of the People and the State Legislative Assemblies. For this to happen, not less than one-half of the States have to do ratification. 

Historical Background of One Nation One Election

Simultaneous elections were held in India from 1951 to 1967, with the first general elections for both the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies taking place together in 1951-52. This continued for the 1957, 1962, and 1967 elections. However, the cycle of synchronized elections was disrupted in 1968 and 1969 due to premature dissolutions of some State Legislative Assemblies. Additionally, the Fourth Lok Sabha was dissolved early in 1970, leading to elections in 1971. Unlike the first three Lok Sabhas, which completed their full terms, the Fifth Lok Sabha’s tenure was extended until 1977 due to the Emergency. Since then, many Lok Sabhas, including the Sixth to Thirteenth, were dissolved prematurely. State Assemblies experienced similar disruptions, causing the current pattern of staggered elections across the country.

Challenges Of One Nation One Election

Implementing One Nation One Election in India faces several challenges, including syncing and adjusting electoral cycles across states.

• Constraints exist in financial, logistical, conceptual, legal, and constitutional aspects, particularly considering the size, cultural diversity, and geographical differences of the country.
• A Constitutional amendment is required to implement this concept, and it must be ratified by all state governments, union territories, and possibly major political parties.
• One of the biggest challenges is aligning the terms of the state legislative assemblies with the Lok Sabha's term.
• Another significant challenge arises if a state or central government faces a no-confidence motion or is dissolved before its term ends. In such cases, it would be impractical to request all other states to hold fresh elections simultaneously.

Benefits Of One Nation One Election

• Simultaneous Elections reduce voter fatigue and increase turnout.
• One Nation One Election ensures policy stability and economic growth.
• It prevents disruptions in production and supply chains, especially for migrant workers.
• Reduces government expenditure and optimizes resource use.
• Provides more time for governance and public service.
• Cuts election-related disputes, saving time and judicial resources.
• Saves efforts of political workers, officials, and security forces.
• Mitigates social conflict by holding elections once every five years.

The One Nation One Election is a concept in which simultaneous elections are conducted for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies throughout the country. Here, elections of the Panchayats and Municipalities are synchronised with the State Legislative Assemblies, and voting occurs concurrently.