Source: Indian Express

Introduction

The proposal for "One Nation One Election" (ONOE) has garnered significant attention, especially with the recent submission of the high-level committee's report to the President. Led by former President Ram Nath Kovind, this initiative aims to synchronize national and state elections. The idea harks back to the early years post-independence when elections were held simultaneously. However, over time, various factors disrupted this synchrony, leading to a perpetual election cycle in India.

What are the Major Challenges of Current Election Procedure?

• Disruptions such as premature dissolution of Houses and the imposition of President's Rule have caused national and state elections to fall out of step.
• Consequently, India now witnesses numerous state elections every year, resulting in a strain on resources and governance.

What will be the Benefits of One Nation One Elections?

• Lessen-Up Financial Burden:
  • The financial burden of frequent elections is substantial, especially for a country as vast as India.
  • Resources that could be allocated towards developmental projects are instead directed towards election logistics and security.
• Utilization of Resources:
  • For instance, the recurrence of elections in Uttar Pradesh highlights the inefficient utilization of resources.
  • Simultaneous elections would streamline these processes, enabling better resource management and governance focus.
• Promoting Long-Term Policy Focus:
  • ONOE offers breathing space for political parties, allowing them to concentrate on long-term policy formulation rather than short-term populism aimed at electoral gains.
  • This shift could mitigate electoral corruption and encourage a more stable political environment conducive to economic growth and investor confidence.
• Cooperative Federalism:
  • Critics of ONOE fear it may undermine federalism, yet historical precedence suggests simultaneous elections can promote cooperative federalism.
  • Aligning national and state election cycles could foster closer collaboration between governments at different levels, enhancing policy implementation and addressing both national and regional concerns more effectively.
• Balanced Political Discourse:
  • Concerns about regional issues being overshadowed are unfounded, as Indian voters have consistently demonstrated an ability to differentiate between various election levels.
  • Simultaneous elections may even compel parties to address both national and regional issues, leading to a more balanced political discourse.
• Empowering Local Governance:
  • The High-level committee has suggested syncing municipalities and panchayats with national and state polls.
  • This could revolutionize local governance, empowering grassroots democracy and fostering citizen participation.

Conclusion

The ONOE initiative presents an opportunity to enhance governance efficiency, promote long-term policy focus, and strengthen cooperative federalism. By streamlining election processes and empowering local governance, India can embark on a journey towards more effective democratic practices.