What are the positive and negative implications of “One Nation One Election” concept in your opinion?

2 Comments

1. 

   Isha Gautam

   25/12/2021 at 6:40 PM

   Reply

   The idea has been around since at least 1983, when the election commission first mooted it. However, until 1967, simultaneous elections were the norm in India.
   Some positive implications of “one nation one election” are as follows:-
   1. Elections are held at different places every few months and it hampers the developmental work .
   2. One nation, one election would envisage a system where elections at all states and the lok sabha would be held simultaneously thus saving time and money.
   3. Every no- confidence motion against the government must be followed by a confidence motion.
   4. The leader of the majority party can be elected as the PM or CM by the entire house which in turn would maintain the stability.

   Some negative implications of ” one nation one election” are as follows:-
   1. There is a vast difference between the national and state issues, and holding simultaneous elections can affect the judgement of voters.
   2. Since elections are conducted once in 5 years, it would lead to a reduction in the government’s accountability towards the people.
   3. In case the election are postponed till the synchronised phase, president’s rule would be imposed in that state. That would again mean lowering the version of democracy and federalism.

   Conclusion:-
   This system can help the ruling parties focus on governance instead of being constantly in election mode and can be a significant contributor in boosting voter turnout. A common electoral roll will save the expenditure on the part of the government but would require various States to bring about a few changes in their respective laws.

2. 

   PRACHI CHAUDHARY

   27/12/2021 at 10:39 AM

   Reply

   ‘One Nation, One Election’ refers to holding elections to Lok Sabha, State Legislative Assemblies, Panchayats and Urban local bodies simultaneously, once in five year.
   But, what are the challenges posed by frequent elections?
   1 Massive expenditure.
   2 Policy paralysis that results from the imposition of the Model Code of Conduct during election time.
   3 Impact on delivery of essential services.
   4 Burden on crucial manpower that is deployed during election time.
   Benefits of Simultaneous Elections:
   1 Reduced Expenditure of Money and Administration.
   2 Continuity in policies and programmes.
   3 Efficiency of Governance: Populist measures by governments will reduce.
   4 The impact of black money on the voters will be reduced as all elections are held at a time
   For simultaneous elections to be implemented, Changes to be made in Constitution and Legislations:
   1 Article 83 which deals with the duration of Houses of Parliament need an amendment.
   2 Article 85 (on dissolution of Lok Sabha by the president).
   3 Article 172 (relating to the duration of state legislatures).
   The Representation of People Act, 1951 Act would have to be amended to build in provisions for stability of tenure for both parliament and assemblies. This should include the following crucial elements:
   * Restructuring the powers and functions of the ECI to facilitate procedures required for simultaneous elections
   * A definition of simultaneous election can be added to section 2 of the 1951 act.