The Commission, led by Justice (retired) Ritu Raj Awasthi, is set to propose a constitutional amendment for ‘one nation, one election’; introducing a “new chapter or section” on simultaneous elections, according to sources.
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BHARAT: The Law Commission is poised to propose the addition of a new chapter to the Constitution concerning ‘one nation, one election,’ advocating for the simultaneous conduct of immense democratic processes encompassing Lok Sabha, state assemblies, and local bodies nationwide by mid-2029, sources disclosed Today (28 Feb).
Under the leadership of Justice (retired) Ritu Raj Awasthi, the Commission is expected to suggest a constitutional amendment to introduce this “new chapter or section” on simultaneous elections, the sources added. Additionally, the panel will propose a phased synchronization of legislative assembly terms over the next five years to facilitate the inaugural simultaneous polls in May-June 2029, coinciding with the 19th Lok Sabha elections.
This novel constitutional segment would encompass topics such as “simultaneous election,” the “sustainability of simultaneous elections,” and the establishment of a “common electoral roll” for Lok Sabha, state legislative assemblies, panchayats, and municipalities, enabling the seamless integration of three-tier simultaneous polls, they elaborated.
The recommended new chapter would possess the authority, described as “non-extant,” to supersede other constitutional provisions related to assembly terms.
The process of synchronizing assembly terms over a five-year period will be conducted in three phases. The Commission is likely to propose that the initial phase focus on state assemblies, where the term may need to be shortened by several months-either three or six months.
If a government collapses due to a vote of no confidence or if there is a hung assembly, the Commission may recommend the formation of a “unity government” comprising representatives from various political parties. Should the unity government arrangement fail, the law panel may propose holding fresh elections for the remainder of the assembly’s term.
“If fresh elections are called and the government still has three years left, the polls should cover the remaining term—three years—to ensure continuity,”
explained the source.
In addition to the Law Commission’s efforts, a high-level committee headed by former President Ram Nath Kovind is also tasked with drafting a report on the feasibility of conducting simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha, state legislative assemblies, municipalities, and panchayats by adjusting the Constitution and existing legal frameworks.
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Alongside the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, expected in April-May of this year, elections for at least five state assemblies are anticipated, with Maharashtra, Haryana, and Jharkhand expected to hold state polls later in the year.
Bihar and Delhi are slated for assembly polls next year, while Assam, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Kerala are scheduled for 2026, followed by Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, and Manipur in 2027. As many as nine states could hold assembly polls in 2028—Tripura, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Karnataka, Mizoram, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Telangana.
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