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Assessing the Feasibility of ‘One Nation, One Election’ in India
The idea of “one nation, one election” has gained considerable attention and debate in the Indian political landscape. This article critically examines the feasibility of implementing simultaneous elections in India, analysing its potential to streamline the electoral process, and enhance governance efficiency.
On 1 September 2023, the union government formed a committee headed by former President Ram Nath Kovind to explore the possibility of “one nation, one election.” This proposal advocates for the synchronisation of all elections, from the national level down to local bodies, which would entail conducting elections simultaneously across the country. The fundamental idea behind it is to reduce the frequency of elections and establish a synchronised electoral cycle, aiming to reap several benefits for Indian democracy and governance.
India, as the world’s largest democracy, witnesses a dynamic and complex electoral process. With a federal structure and multi-tiered governance system, India experiences a perpetual cycle of elections at different levels, including the Lok Sabha, state assemblies, and local bodies. However, the frequent occurrence of elections poses various challenges, such as an enormous financial burden on the exchequer, policy disruptions during election periods, and administrative overload.
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