1 Nation, 1 Election Report: The suggestion is to hold simultaneous elections for both the Lok Sabha and all state assemblies. The Report comprises of 18,626 pages, and is an outcome of extensive consultations with stakeholders, experts and research work of 191 days, since its constitution on September 2, 2023.
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New Delhi: The high-level committee led by former President Ram Nath Kovind has concluded its deliberations and presented its findings on the concept of ‘one nation, one election’. The comprehensive report was officially handed over to President Droupadi Murmu earlier today, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing discourse surrounding electoral reforms in India.
The committee, which has been exploring the feasibility and implications of conducting simultaneous elections throughout the country, has expressed a clear stance in favor of this initiative. According to the document,
“The Committee is of unanimous opinion that simultaneous polls should be held.”
This recommendation underscores the panel’s belief in the potential benefits of aligning the electoral schedules for the Parliament and state assemblies, which currently operate under separate timelines.
The idea of ‘One Nation, One Election’ has been a recurring theme in the political narrative of India, particularly championed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It has been highlighted in various speeches and was prominently featured in his party’s manifesto during the 2014 Lok Sabha elections. The concept aims to streamline the electoral process, reduce expenditure, and minimize the disruption to governance caused by the staggered election cycle.
Suggestions sought from various political parties
The committee, under Kovind’s leadership, includes notable figures such as Home Minister Amit Shah, former opposition leader in the Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad, former Finance Commission Chairman N.K. Singh, ex-Lok Sabha Secretary General Subhash Kashyap, and esteemed senior advocate Harish Salve. This diverse group of experts and political figures was assembled to thoroughly examine the logistical, legal, and constitutional aspects of implementing simultaneous elections across the nation.
Recently, the committee also met and interacted with representatives from various political parties including BJP, Trinamool Congress, Samajwadi Party, CPI, CPI(M), AIMIM, RPI, Apna Dal, who provided their suggestions in writing.
The central government established the high-level Committee in September last year to explore the feasibility of ‘one nation, one election’ and proposed recommendations for simultaneous elections nationwide. The core objective of this initiative is to synchronize Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections across all states, reducing the frequency of polls across the country. This concept was previously practised until 1967 but faced disruptions due to factors such as defections, dismissals, and government dissolutions.
Among the key issues addressed by the panel were the challenges that might arise in scenarios such as a hung parliament, motions of no confidence, party defections, and other political contingencies. The committee’s mandate extended to evaluating the practicality of a unified electoral framework, which would entail a single voter roll and identity card applicable across various levels of governance, from national and state elections to local civic body and panchayat polls.
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