The BJP-led NDA administration has made a significant advancement in carrying out the ‘One Nation, One Election’ plans. The panel led by former President Ram Nath Kovind’s recommendation was accepted by the Union Cabinet on Wednesday. The panel’s recommendation calls for holding the state assembly, local body, and Lok Sabha elections at the same time. The action was hailed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who described it as a crucial step in bolstering Indian democracy. Opposition leaders, meanwhile, have attacked the plan, calling it politically driven and impractical.
Synchronizing Elections in Two Phases
The Kovind panel outlines a two-phase plan for synchronizing elections. In the first phase, elections for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies will be held together. In the second phase, elections for municipalities and panchayats will be conducted within 100 days of the national and state polls. This system aims to reduce the frequency of elections, which often disrupts governance and diverts focus from development.
Historical Context of Simultaneous Elections
India has a history of holding simultaneous elections. The last time a significant number of states held elections together with the Lok Sabha was in 1967, when 20 states went to the polls alongside the general election. This trend continued until 1985, with fewer states synchronizing their elections after that. The Kovind panel seeks to reintroduce this system by aligning the tenure of state assemblies and the Lok Sabha.
Addressing Different Election Timelines
One of the biggest challenges to implementing this proposal is the varying tenure of state assemblies. Elections in some states are due as early as 2024, while others will not be held until 2028. The panel suggests a transitory period to bring all state elections in line with the Lok Sabha polls, which will be done by adjusting assembly terms as required.
Handling Mid-term Dissolutions
To maintain synchronized elections, the panel recommends holding mid-term elections only for the unexpired term of the dissolved House. This ensures that both the Lok Sabha and state assemblies will continue to align with each other over time, even in the event of early dissolutions or political crises.
Constitutional Amendments for Implementation
Articles 83 and 172 of the Indian Constitution, which specify the terms of the Lok Sabha and state legislatures, will need to be amended in order to implement “One Nation, One Election.” These adjustments are required in order to keep future alignment and legally synchronise elections.
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