What is the government’s objective behind ‘One Nation, One Election’?
‘One Nation, One Election’ is a significant reform on the central government’s agenda. The core objective behind this mission is to reduce the frequency of elections across the nation by synchronizing the timing of Lok Sabha, State Assembly, and other smaller elections throughout the country.
- What is the government’s objective behind ‘One Nation, One Election’?
- Have there been previous instances of ‘One Nation, One Election’ in the country?
- When did the first break from simultaneous elections occur?
- What is the debate surrounding ‘One Nation, One Election’?
- Which articles need to be amended to implement ‘One Nation, One Election’?
- What are the benefits of implementing ‘One Nation, One Election’ in the country?
- What could be the potential challenges for ‘One Nation, One Election’?
Have there been previous instances of ‘One Nation, One Election’ in the country?
This was not the first time that the concept of ‘One Nation, One Election’ has been introduced. The practice of holding simultaneous elections was in place until 1967 but was disrupted later owing to several factors, including politicians switching parties, the dismissal of governments in several states, and the dissolution of state legislative assemblies.
When did the first break from simultaneous elections occur?
The cycle of simultaneous elections first hit a major roadblock when the Central government invoked Article 356 to remove the Kerala government. Following this, the chain continued with several state legislative assemblies getting dissolved after 1960 due to legislators switching parties and political maneuvering, thus resulting in separate elections for the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies.
What is the debate surrounding ‘One Nation, One Election’?
‘One Nation, One Election’ is considered to be a significant game-changer by the government. While the opposition argues that if implemented, it might give national parties an unfair advantage over regional ones and could lead voters to prioritize national issues in state elections. However, it is pertinent to note that even if the plan gains majority support, its implementation would require complex constitutional amendments, and the government would need the support of states for the same. It also raises concerns about the terms of state governments and potential disruptions in governance.
Which articles need to be amended to implement ‘One Nation, One Election’?
Earlier, addressing the Parliament on the implementation of ‘One Nation One Election,’ the Union Minister of State for Law and Justice, Arjun Ram Meghwal, listed five articles that need to be amended: Article 83 (tenure of the Houses of Parliament), Article 85 (dissolution of the House of the People by the President), Article 172 (duration of the State Legislatures), Article 174 (dissolution of the State Legislatures), and Article 356 (imposition of President’s Rule in the States).
What are the benefits of implementing ‘One Nation, One Election’ in the country?
According to various analyses, the synchronization of elections brings cost savings to the government machinery in conducting elections, reduces the burden on administrative structures, ensures the speedy implementation of government policies without hindrance, and allows the administration to focus on development initiatives rather than election-related activities.
What could be the potential challenges for ‘One Nation, One Election’?
The idea of simultaneous elections implemented raises several problems and challenges, including addressing situations in case the Central or State government collapses before its tenure, whether elections should be called for in each State or President’s rule imposed, and whether it might overshadow regional interests. Moreover, the concept of ‘One Nation, One Election’ appears to be at odds with the idea of ‘federalism,’ as it contradicts the notion of India as a “Union of States” outlined in Article 1 of the Constitution.
