High-Level Committee Advocates 'One Nation One Election' Proposal

A High-Level Committee led by former President of India Ram Nath Kovind has thrown its weight behind the concept of 'One Nation One Election', endorsing the Central government's proposal for simultaneous Lok Sabha and state legislative assembly elections. In its report, the panel emphasized the manifold benefits of synchronized elections, asserting that it would foster development, enhance social cohesion, and fortify the nation's democratic fabric.

"It will aid development process and social cohesion, deepen the foundations of our democratic rubric, and realize the aspirations of India, that is Bharat," the report emphasized. The committee, which included eminent figures like Senior Advocate Harish Salve and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, recommended substantial constitutional amendments to facilitate the implementation of 'One Nation One Election'.

According to the report, while certain amendments can be enacted by Parliament unilaterally, others necessitate ratification by the states. Among the key recommendations put forth by the committee is the introduction of Article 324A to enable simultaneous elections at the grassroots level, including panchayats and municipalities, alongside the general elections.

Additionally, the committee proposed amendments to Article 83 and Article 172 of the Constitution to regulate the duration of parliamentary and state legislative assemblies' terms, respectively. "The Committee, therefore, recommends that the Government must develop a legally tenable mechanism in order to restore the cycle of simultaneous elections," the report asserted. Further, the committee advocated for synchronized elections to be phased in gradually, beginning with simultaneous Lok Sabha and state legislative assembly elections, followed by coordinated elections for municipalities and panchayats within a hundred days of the national and state polls.]

However, the report also accounted for scenarios like hung houses or motions of no confidence, suggesting provisions for holding fresh elections to constitute new legislative bodies. With the committee's endorsement, the 'One Nation One Election' proposal gains significant traction, heralding a potential paradigm shift in India's electoral landscape.

As the nation grapples with the complexities of its electoral system, the committee's recommendations signal a concerted effort towards streamlining and strengthening democratic processes for a more cohesive and efficient governance structure.

Author: Anushka Taraniya

News Writer, MIT ADT University