Modi Cabinet Approves 'One Nation, One Election': What It Means for India's Election System

Modi government has finally cleared the path for the long-awaited ‘One Nation One Election.” According to various media sources, the "One Nation, One Election" Bill is anticipated to be introduced next week in the Parliament.

Home Minister Amit Shah announced at a press conference on the occasion that "One Nation, One Election" will be implemented within the next five years, or before the current term ends.

Modi Cabinet Passes One Nation One Election 

The Union Cabinet has approved the 'One Nation, One Election' proposal, based on a report from a panel led by former President Ram Nath Kovind, formed in September. This committee submitted its recommendations to President Droupadi Murmu on March 15, suggesting that Lok Sabha and state Assembly elections be held at the same time. It also recommended creating an 'Implementation Group' to ensure the plan is carried out.

The panel stated that holding elections simultaneously would save resources, promote development, strengthen democracy, and unite the country by aligning national aspirations with those of "India, that is Bharat."

What is One Nation One Election?

"One nation, one election" refers to holding elections simultaneously in all regions of the nation, meaning that state and Lok Sabha elections will take place at the same time.

The concept of "one nation, one election" was initially put forth in the year 1980s. In May 1999, the Law Commission, led by Justice BP Jeevan Reddy, declared in its 170th Report that "we must go back to the situation where the elections to Lok Sabha and all the Legislative Assemblies are held at once."

Benefits of One Nation One Election

In addition to reducing costs significantly, supporters claim that joint polls can improve administrative effectiveness and even increase voter turnout.

A staggering sum of over Rs 60,000 crore was reportedly used for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. This sum covers both the Election Commission of India's election-related costs and the fees spent by political parties while taking part in the voting process. Furthermore, there are clear and significant costs associated with the frequent deployment and relocation of security personnel.

Every election causes the government machinery's regular duties to be disregarded due to election-related labor and duties. The election budget does not provide for these many man-hours.
In 1951-52, 1957, 1962, and 1967, elections for both the Lok Sabha and state assemblies were held simultaneously. However, later this sequence was broken due to premature dissolution of some assemblies, and in 1970 the Lok Sabha was also dissolved prematurely.

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