Examining One Nation, One Election

According to former chief election commissioner (CEC) S Y Qureshi, the idea of holding simultaneous polls for both Lok Sabha and the state assemblies, is ideally correct. Those who support this idea further argue that the biggest advantage of ‘one nation, one election’ will be a huge drop in poll related expenditure. Total expenditure during 2009 general election was INR 1115 crore. The amount increased by more than INR 2000 crore in 2014 general election. If one adds this expenditure with the expenses incurred in assembly polls held during this period, the figure will simply touch the sky. Such a huge expenditure can force many economists to opine that India should revert back to monarchy rather than embrace democracy. Apart from huge expenditure, multiple elections in India also derail the development process too. With the announcement of voting dates, ‘model code of conduct’ comes into effect. Till the code is in place, no government can announce or take up any development projects as that may lure the electorate. In this context, it may be mentioned here that from the early fifties to late sixties, elections for both Lok Sabha and Assembly were held together. But, as in many cases, it was found that state assemblies were not able to complete the five-year-term and the constitution does not permit President’s Rule for more than six months at a stretch, the practice of holding simultaneous elections changed in the early seventies.

But upholding the spirit of democracy, not every Indian or poll specialist is in support of holding simultaneous polls. According to them, as per the present Indian Constitution, holding elections together can’t be made mandatory. India Constitution should first be amended to prepare a ground for holding simultaneous elections. Few changes should also be effected in the People’s Representative Act as well. But even after taking all these preparatory steps, those who oppose the move are unsure of whether this idea will deliver the goods or not? “Where is the guarantee that every Lok Sabha and state assemblies will be able to complete full term,” they asked? “What will happen if the need arises to hold a mid-term poll in the country as it was necessitated in the late nineties,” they questioned?” According to them, political stability cannot be ensured by law. Chances of a hung house also cannot be ruled out. So to go for simultaneous polls is simply not a good idea, they argue. Another serious flaw the critics have found in the idea is that the system will favour national-level parties more than the smaller and regional parties.

Notwithstanding the differences in opinion, the idea of ‘one nation, one election’ should not be rejected outrightly. More deliberations are required to reach a decision about the matter. Post Covid-19, India is not in a position to incur much electoral expenses. At the same time, no steps should be taken which may be termed as a barrier to free and fair elections. So, reaching a consensus regarding the issue will be the best course of action in national interest.