The Union Cabinet has approved two significant bills aimed at implementing the “One Nation, One Election” initiative, a move that could transform India’s electoral process. If these bills are passed in Parliament without amendments, simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies could begin as early as 2034. This ambitious plan, long championed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi since 2014, seeks to streamline the electoral process and reduce the frequency of elections in the country.
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The bills are based on recommendations from a high-level committee chaired by former President Ram Nath Kovind. The proposal has sparked widespread debate, with supporters hailing it as a step toward efficiency and critics labeling it as “impractical” and “draconian.”
What is “One Nation One Election”?
The “One Nation, One Election” initiative aims to synchronize elections for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies, ensuring that voters across the country cast their votes on the same day. Currently, elections in India are staggered, with state and national elections occurring at different times. This results in frequent disruptions to governance and significant expenditure on election logistics.
The proposed bills, if passed, would align the terms of state assemblies with the Lok Sabha. According to the Kovind committee’s report, the President of India would notify an “appointed date” during the first sitting of the Lok Sabha following a general election. State assembly elections held after this date would have their terms adjusted to conclude alongside the Lok Sabha’s term.
Timeline for Implementation
If the bills are passed without amendments, the first synchronized elections could take place in 2034. Here’s how the timeline unfolds:
- 2029 General Elections: The next Lok Sabha elections are scheduled for 2029. The “appointed date” for implementing simultaneous elections would be notified during the first sitting of the newly elected Lok Sabha.
- Term Adjustment: State assemblies elected after this date would have their terms curtailed or extended to align with the Lok Sabha’s term.
- 2034 Elections: The first simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies could then be held in 2034.
Challenges and Logistics
While the concept of “One Nation, One Election” has its merits, its implementation poses significant logistical and constitutional challenges.
1. Constitutional Amendments
The initiative requires major amendments to the Constitution, particularly Articles 83, 85, 172, 174, and 356, to synchronize the terms of the Lok Sabha and state assemblies. Achieving political consensus on these amendments is a daunting task, given the opposition’s concerns about undermining federalism.
2. Electoral Preparations
The Election Commission of India (ECI) will play a pivotal role in executing this plan. A senior ECI official highlighted the need for substantial logistical preparations, including:
- Doubling EVMs: The ECI estimates it will take 2.5 to 3 years to double the number of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) required for simultaneous elections.
- Procurement Delays: Procuring chips and other components for EVMs could take 7-8 months, while manufacturers like ECIL and BEL would need time to scale up production.
3. Tight Timeline
Even if the bills are passed by late 2025 or early 2026, the ECI would face a tight timeline to prepare for synchronized elections in 2029. Experts believe this timeline might be too ambitious, making 2034 a more realistic target.
One Nation One Election Bill Passed Or Not?
As of now, the Union Cabinet has approved the bills, but they are yet to be tabled in Parliament. If passed without amendments during the Winter Session, the initiative could move forward.
Opposition’s Concerns
The opposition has raised several objections to the “One Nation, One Election” proposal, calling it a “gimmick” and warning that it could undermine the autonomy of state legislatures. Critics argue that the plan centralizes power in the hands of the Election Commission and disrupts the federal structure of governance.
Conclusion
The “One Nation, One Election” initiative represents a bold vision for India’s electoral system, promising efficiency and cost savings. However, its implementation hinges on overcoming significant constitutional, logistical, and political challenges. While the Union Cabinet’s approval marks a crucial step forward, the road ahead is fraught with complexities. Whether this ambitious plan becomes a reality by 2034 remains to be seen.
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FAQs
Is “One Nation, One Election” likely in 2034?
Yes, if the bills are passed without amendments, the first synchronized elections for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies could be held in 2034. The timeline depends on the notification of the “appointed date” during the first sitting of the Lok Sabha elected in 2029.
