One Nation One Election

 

                     

   Prime minister Narendra Modi pitched for 'One nation One Election' saying it is the need of India as polls taking place every few months impact development works. Pitching strongly for 'One nation , One Election', Modi said it is not just a matter of debate , this is the need of India. Let us understand what is One Nation One Election including current election scenario of elections of India.

Current Election System

Election in republic of India include election for:

1.Member of the parliament in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.

2.Member of State legislative Assembly, and Assembly election to some of the union territories like Delhi.

3.Members of State Legislative Councils.

4.Member in village panchayats or City corporation councils. 

                            Currently, Election to the state assemblies and the Lok Sabha are held separately. Simultaneous election are not new to India. They were the norm until 1967. But dissolution of some legislative assemblies in 1968 and 1969 and that of the Lok Sabha in December 1970 , Election to state assemblies and parliament have been held separately.

What is Simultaneous Poll? 

                         Previously 2 proposals were made regarding the conduct of simultaneous elections along with 17th Lok Sabha elections. However, both proposals haven't materialized till date.

                     In the first proposal made, a shift of simultaneous polls in a phased manner was suggested. According to which general elections, 12 State Assemblies and a Union Territory may be synchronized in 2019. The reason behind this proposal was that rest of the states were still in the middle of their 5- year term.

                    In the second proposal made, it involved synchronization of elections in 2 batches. In the first batch, elections to the 12 State Legislative Assemblies and 1 Union Territory would be synchronized with the elections to the Lok Sabha in 2019. In the 2nd batch the remaining elections of the State Legislative Assemblies will be synchronized with that of 1 Union Territory (Puducherry) by the end of 2021.

Why do some support?

Simultaneous polls will boost voter turnout, according to the Law Commission.

The system will help ruling parties focus on government instead of being constantly in election mode.

It will reduce cost involved in separate elections.

One-time election will also save a lot of time along with money. Also, the security forces will be used for better internal purposes.

What are the arguments against it?

National and state issues are different, and holding simultaneous elections is likely to affect the judgement of voters.

Since election will be held once in five years, it will reduce the governments accountability to the people. Repeated elections keep legislators on their toes and increase accountability.

When an election in a state is postponed until the synchronized phase, Presidents rule will have to be impose in the interim period in the state. this will be a blow to democracy and federalism.

Conclusion

                      It is abundantly clear that the present system of Elections is a whole year affair. As tedious as it sounds, it is in fact very difficult for not only the EC but also the general public to keep pace with so many elections throughout the year. In the present scenario it seems tough to adopt the system of “One Nation One Election” because the regional parties will not agree to the adoption of this system because they have experienced the worst defeat in the recent Lok Sabha elections. Thus, receiving a clear and absolute political consensus also looks a little difficult.

                           According to a survey, there are 77% chances that an average Indian voter will vote for the same party for both the state and Centre if elections are held simultaneously. This is because India is a union of states and the central government allots huge money to the government of the same party in the states. This is also a point to ponder upon.

                       What are the your views on "ONE NATION ONE ELECTION", Do let me know in the comment section.

                         Thank You.