In a significant development on Wednesday, the Union Cabinet approved the proposal for "One Nation One Election," a plan aimed at synchronising the elections for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies into a single schedule. This decision marks a major step towards implementing simultaneous elections across India.
The proposal was endorsed following the submission of an extensive report by a high-level committee, led by former President Ram Nath Kovind. The report, spanning over 18,626 pages, was delivered to President Droupadi Murmu in March 2024. The committee's work involved extensive consultations with a wide range of stakeholders from political, social, and economic sectors.
The report reveals a broad spectrum of support for the concept of simultaneous elections. Out of the 47 political parties that provided their views, 32 expressed support for the idea. Public opinion also leaned favourably towards the proposal, with a public notice in newspapers receiving 21,558 responses, 80% of which supported the concept.
Legal experts contributed significantly to the report, including four former Chief Justices of India, twelve former Chief Justices from various High Courts, and four former Chief Election Commissioners. Their insights, along with the views of the Election Commission of India, were instrumental in shaping the recommendations.
Economic considerations were also a critical part of the evaluation process. Leading business organisations such as the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI), and the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM), along with prominent economists, were consulted to assess the potential economic impacts of staggered versus simultaneous elections.
These experts noted that conducting elections in a staggered manner could lead to inflationary pressures, slow down economic growth, and disrupt public expenditure and social harmony.
The proposal aims to streamline the electoral process, reduce the frequency of elections, and potentially lower the costs associated with conducting multiple polls. By aligning Lok Sabha and state assembly elections, the plan seeks to provide a more efficient and cohesive approach to the democratic process.
The proposal will be further discussed and debated in Parliament during the winter session, where it will face scrutiny from lawmakers and other stakeholders. The final approval will depend on legislative consensus and the successful passage of the bill.
This move towards simultaneous elections is seen as a bold reform aimed at enhancing the efficiency of India’s electoral system. If implemented, it could mark a significant shift in how elections are conducted in the country, aligning the schedules of Lok Sabha and state assemblies and potentially reshaping the political landscape.
As the bill progresses through Parliament, it will be closely watched for its potential impact on India’s democratic and economic frameworks. The success of this proposal will depend on the ability of lawmakers to address any concerns and ensure that the implementation of "One Nation One Election" aligns with the broader goals of electoral integrity and efficiency.
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