The submission of the One Nation One Election report to President Droupadi Murmu by the high-level committee led by former President Ram Nath Kovind marks a watershed moment in India's democratic landscape, hailed by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
In a tweet, Shah described the event as a "historic day for the country's democratic system," lauding the efforts of the committee chaired by Kovind. The report, spanning a colossal 18,626 pages, is the culmination of extensive consultations, research, and deliberations conducted over 191 days since the committee's formation on September 2, 2023.
The committee, comprising eminent figures like Ghulam Nabi Azad, N K Singh, and Harish Salve, among others, engaged in comprehensive consultations with various stakeholders.
Notably, 47 political parties and over 21,000 citizens provided their inputs, with a significant 80% expressing support for simultaneous elections.
Furthermore, the committee engaged with legal experts, former judges, election commissioners, and business organizations to gather diverse perspectives.
The consensus emerged on the economic imperative of synchronized elections, highlighting their potential to bolster economic growth, public expenditure quality, and social harmony.
Based on these inputs, the committee formulated a two-step approach towards implementing simultaneous elections. It proposes simultaneous polls for the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies initially, followed by synchronized elections for Municipalities and Panchayats within a hundred days of the former.
Additionally, the committee advocates for a unified electoral roll and Electoral Photo Identity Cards (EPIC) for all tiers of government.
Crucially, the committee's recommendations align with the constitutional framework and necessitate minimal amendments, ensuring compatibility with India's democratic ethos.
The envisaged reforms are poised to enhance transparency, inclusivity, and voter confidence, thereby advancing the nation's developmental agenda and fostering social cohesion.
Overall, the overwhelming support for simultaneous elections underscores a significant step towards realizing India's democratic aspirations and strengthening its democratic foundation.
With meticulous planning and inclusive policy making, the committee's recommendations stand to shape a more efficient and responsive electoral system, driving the nation towards a brighter future.
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