One Nation, One Election: India's Electoral Reform

Concept and Cabinet Approval

• Union Cabinet approved 'One Nation, One Election' Bills on December 12, 2024

Two critical bills introduced:

• • Constitutional amendment for simultaneous Lok Sabha and state assembly elections
  • Bill to align Assembly elections in Union Territories

Key features of the proposal:

• • Recommended by high-level panel led by former President Ram Nath Kovind
  • Aims to synchronize national and state-level elections
  • Potential implementation by 2029-2034

Implementation strategy:

• • Two-phase approach
  • First phase: Simultaneous Lok Sabha and state assembly elections
  • Second phase: Synchronizing local body elections within 100 days

Political Landscape and Reactions

Diverse political responses to the initiative:

• • BJP strongly supports the proposal
  • Opposition parties like Congress and AAP criticize the move
  • Regional parties show mixed reactions

Notable criticism:

• • MK Stalin (DMK) called the bill "draconian"
  • Mamata Banerjee pledged to oppose it "tooth and nail"
  • Arvind Kejriwal highlighted alternative national priorities

Support from key figures:

• • Ram Nath Kovind emphasized national interest
  • Major NDA allies like Nitish Kumar backing the initiative

Potential Impact and Rationale

Expected benefits of simultaneous elections:

• • Reduce overall election expenditure
  • Minimize administrative disruptions
  • Streamline governance processes

Economic projections:

• • Potential GDP increase of 1-1.5%
  • Optimizing resource allocation

Constitutional considerations:

• • Proposed amendments to Article 83 and Article 172
  • Recommended 18 constitutional changes
  • Requires parliamentary and state-level approvals

Implementation challenges:

• • Procurement of Electronic Voting Machines
  • Estimated cost of approximately ₹8,000 crore
  • Potential three-year lead time for full implementation

Historical Context:

• Simultaneous elections were practiced in India until 1967
• Disrupted by premature dissolution of state assemblies
• Long-standing political debate about electoral reform

The government plans extensive consultations, including:

• Joint Parliamentary Committee review
• Inputs from state assembly speakers
• Engagement with intellectuals and civil society
• Public feedback mechanisms