Inside and outside Parliament, the One Nation, One Election debate has put ruling parties and opposition in a face-off. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is in favor, supported by nearly all allies in the NDA. Conversely, the Congress stands firm against it, gathering opposition voices from parties like SP, RJD, AAP, and DMK also expressing dissent.
The essence of 'One Nation, One Election' is to synchronize Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections nationwide so citizens can cast both votes in a single day.
The government asserts this synchronization simplifies governance and minimizes operational halts due to repeated elections. When elections are announced, the model code of conduct halts projects, affecting development. Conducting Lok Sabha and Assembly elections together steers greater focus on policy development and implementation. Moreover, simultaneous elections are said to lower costs and use fewer resources, with savings redirected to national development.
Reports suggest India experienced an average of 6 elections annually between 1952 to 2023, just accounting for repeated Lok Sabha and Assembly polls. Including local polls, this number multiplies significantly.
The argument is that joint elections save the government, candidates, and parties money, particularly noticeable during assembly elections. Voter registration and roll preparation become more efficient when only done once. Fewer elections ease states' financial burdens, too.
Many challenges and flaws exist in adopting 'One Nation, One Election'. Congress argues it's improbable for a vast, diverse nation like India where unique state issues and cultural elements can't be encapsulated in a unified electoral process.
- Simultaneous elections could hinder regional parties' chances to highlight local issues effectively, as they may struggle against national parties with broader resources.
- Implementing 'One Nation, One Election' requires constitutional amendments, approved by state governments, union territories, and potentially key political parties. Coordinating state assembly terms with Lok Sabha's is a significant challenge.
- Midterm elections or scenarios like President's rule present unclear pathways if no party secures a majority in 'One Nation, One Election' implementation.
Source: aajtak
The Savings Argument... How Will Government Finances Benefit?
The claim suggests reduced financial strain on government coffers with joint elections. Saved funds could stimulate industrial growth, potentially boosting GDP by 1-1.5%.
Election spending is indexed by inflation. It was 10.5 crores rupees in India's first general election in 1951, with voter numbers rising from 17.32 to 91.2 crores by 2019, anticipated to be 98 crores in 2024.
The Modi government's first election in 2014 cost about 3870 crores, compared to 2009's 1114.4 crores, increasing threefold by 2019 to about 6600 crores.
How Much Does Each Vote Cost?
Calculating per-vote expenses for the 2024 Lok Sabha election shows an ascent from 1951's 60 paise to 72 rupees in 2019, up from 46 rupees in 2014 compared to previous years' figures.
Calculating Election Expenses
The maximum spend for a candidate in Lok Sabha 2024 could reach 95 lakhs rupees, covering campaign essentials, advertisements, and social media. For state assemblies, it's capped at 40 lakhs, with historical comparisons from previous elections.
Crucially, synchronizing elections poses challenges, needing significant administrative preparation, voter list updates, and security arrangements.
Who Bears the Cost?
Under 1979 guidelines, the central government funds Lok Sabha elections entirely, while state governments bear Assembly election costs. In case of concurrent elections, expenses get shared equally by state and center.
Anticipating ONOE by 2029, a 50% increase in central security forces deployment is projected, needing about 7 lakh personnel, and 800 extra storage facilities countrywide for EVMs and VVPATs.
What If 'One Nation, One Election' Is Implemented? - The central government will set a date post-Lok Sabha elections 2029. - State assemblies dissolve on this date. - First phase synchronizes with Lok Sabha terms for assembly elections. - Second phase within 100 days for municipal and panchayat elections. - A single voter roll covers all elections. - Mechanisms are suggested to manage midterm dissolutions.
Elections Have Happened Simultaneously Before
India had concurrent elections until 1967, with other nations like South Africa, Sweden, and more aligning various elections together.
