Simultaneous Elections (One Nation One Election)

Simultaneous Elections (One Nation One Election) Definition: Holding Lok Sabha and State legislative assembly elections together to reduce frequency and costs. History Held in 1951-52, 1957, 1962, 1967. Schedule broke after 1967, not realigned since. Recent Development Highlighted in 2014 by PM Modi. A committee headed by Ram Nath Kovind examined the issue. Key Suggestions by Ram Nath Kovind Panel Stepwise Process: 1st Step: Lok Sabha and state assembly elections. 2nd Step: Local body elections within 100 days. Hung House: Fresh elections for remaining term only. Constitutional Amendments Needed: Articles 83 and 172 for duration of Parliament and State legislatures. Ratification by States Required: Articles 324A for simultaneous

panchayat and municipal elections. Article 325 for a common electoral roll and voter ID. Arguments in Favour Cost Saving: Reduces election expenditure. Governance Continuity: Avoids frequent Moral Code of Conduct periods. Manpower Efficiency: Frees manpower from extended election duties. Focus on Governance: Less time spent in election mode. Arguments Against Logistical Challenges: Difficult coordination of schedules and resources. Regional Issues Overshadowed: National issues may dominate over state issues. Way Ahead Improved Governance: Synchronized elections will enhance transparency and voter confidence. 22nd Law Commission: Expected to recommend simultaneous elections by 2029.