A high-level committee chaired by former President Ram Nath Kovind has recommended simultaneous elections across India in a comprehensive report spanning over 18,626 pages.
This significant proposal, known as 'One Nation One Election', was submitted to President Droupadi Murmu at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on Thursday.
The committee's report underscores the transformative potential of simultaneous elections, emphasizing its positive impact on the electoral process and overall governance.
Drawing from inputs received from various political parties, experts, and stakeholders, the report highlights a unanimous consensus favoring the implementation of simultaneous elections throughout the country.
In its examination of the constitutional and legal complexities associated with simultaneous elections, the Ram Nath Kovind-led committee suggests an alternative enabling framework to make this concept feasible.
One of the primary recommendations includes synchronizing the elections of the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies, followed by coordinated polls for municipalities and panchayats within 100 days.
The committee also addresses the challenges posed by hung assemblies or situations of no-confidence motions, proposing fresh elections for the remainder of the five-year tenure in such cases.
Moreover, recognizing the importance of voter rights, the committee advocates for a single electoral roll and a unified elector's photo identity card (EPIC) across all tiers of government – from the national level to local municipalities and panchayats.
Furthermore, the committee highlights the adverse impact of the Model Code of Conduct on governance and economic growth, stressing the need to mitigate disruptions and policy paralysis associated with its application.
By adopting a synchronized electoral process, the committee aims to streamline governance and enhance administrative efficiency.
However, the recommendations put forth by the committee have sparked debates and discussions, with various stakeholders expressing differing viewpoints.
While some laud the proposal for its potential to bring about significant reforms in the electoral system, others raise concerns about its practical implementation and potential challenges.
Overall, the report submitted by the Ram Nath Kovind-led committee marks a significant milestone in the discourse on electoral reforms in India. As the nation grapples with the complexities of its democratic process, the proposal for simultaneous elections emerges as a crucial step towards strengthening democratic governance and fostering greater political stability.
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