Hindu Editorial Analysis : 24-January-2024
The concept of “One Nation, One Election” has garnered significant attention, with over 20,000 responses received by the high-level committee exploring this idea. This proposal envisions simultaneous elections for all states and the Lok Sabha, requiring a restructuring of the Indian election cycle.
Purpose
- Reducing Expenditure:
- The 2014 general elections incurred an estimated ₹3,870 crore, prompting advocates to believe that a unified election system would significantly cut costs.
- Proper Functioning of Government:
- The Model Code of Conduct affecting governance would be applied only once in a five-year cycle, allowing ruling parties to focus on governance rather than being in a perpetual election mode.
- Increased Voter Turnout:
- Simultaneous elections are expected to boost voter turnout, alleviate strain on administrative and security forces, and ensure timely implementation of government policies.
Criticism
- Impact on Voters’ Judgement:
- Critics argue that national and state issues differ, potentially influencing voters’ judgement adversely.
- Against Federalism:
- Postponing elections in a state until the synchronized phase may lead to the imposition of President’s rule, raising concerns about the impact on democracy and federalism.
- Reduced Accountability:
- Holding elections once every five years might decrease the government’s accountability, as repeated elections are seen as keeping legislators more accountable.
Legal Concerns
- Constitutional Independence of States:
- Referring to the S.R. Bommai case, the Supreme Court emphasized the independent constitutional existence of states, raising questions about the need for altering the existing duration of state legislatures.
Feasibility
- Constitutional Amendments:
- According to the Law Commission, implementing “One Nation, One Election” would require at least five constitutional amendments, involving Articles 83, 85, 172, 174, and 356.
- Ratification by States:
- The Law Commission’s 2018 draft report suggests that a constitutional amendment would need ratification by at least 50% of the states.
Government Steps
- Formation of High-Level Committee:
- In September 2023, the Union Government established the ‘High Level Committee on One Nation, One Election’ under the chairmanship of former President Ramnath Kovind.
- Consultation with Political Parties:
- The committee has met thrice, seeking the opinions of various national and state political parties regarding the feasibility and implications of a synchronized election schedule.
Why In News
The high-level committee on ‘One Nation, One Election’ received overwhelming support for the idea of holding simultaneous elections, with over 20,000 responses endorsing the proposal as an efficient and cost-effective way to streamline the electoral process and strengthen democratic governance.
MCQs about One Nation, One Election
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What is the primary purpose of the “One Nation, One Election” proposal?
A. To increase government expenditure
B. To synchronize elections for states and the Lok Sabha
C. To reduce voter turnout
D. To extend the Model Code of Conduct
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Why is the reduction of government expenditure considered a potential benefit of “One Nation, One Election”?
A. It extends election cycles
B. It synchronizes state and central elections
C. It imposes President’s rule
D. It increases voter turnout
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What is a major criticism of the “One Nation, One Election” concept?
A. Impact on voters’ judgement
B. Increased federalism
C. Accountability enhancement
D. Reduction in administrative strain
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What legal concern is raised in the essay regarding the “One Nation, One Election” proposal?
A. Constitutional independence of states
B. Federal government control
C. Extension of Model Code of Conduct
D. Reducing accountability
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