On September 18, 2024, the Union Cabinet nodded to the "One Nation, One Election" bill, approvring the recommendations of the high-level committee led by former President Ram Nath Kovind. The committee suggested holding simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies first, followed by municipal and panchayat elections within 100 days of the general elections.
This move completely reshapes the way we vote in India. So, what does this mean for you and the political landscape?
What is "One Nation, One Election"?
Currently, we vote twice: once for the Lok Sabha (the national parliament) to elect our Members of Parliament (MPs) and again for the Vidhan Sabha (state assemblies) to choose our Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs). These elections happen at different times, which can be confusing and costly. The new proposal aims to hold both elections on the same day, allowing voters to cast their ballots for both their MP and MLA simultaneously.
The rationale behind this change is straightforward: to save money and time. The upcoming 2024 elections are expected to cost around ₹1.35 lakh crore. By conducting simultaneous elections, the government is hoping to streamline the process and reduce expenses for political parties.
The good and the bad
Supporters of "One Nation, One Election" argue that it will allow political parties to focus more on governance rather than constant campaigning. With fewer elections, there could be more time dedicated to implementing policies that benefit citizens.
However, this proposal isn't without its critics. One major concern is that voters might prioritize national issues over local ones when casting their votes. This could benefit larger parties like the BJP, as local candidates may struggle to gain attention amidst a broader national campaign.
Moreover, if a state assembly were to dissolve before its term ends, it raises questions about how long citizens would have to wait for new elections. Would we have to wait until the next scheduled election cycle? This uncertainty could lead to governance issues at the state level.
Historical context
Interestingly, India used to conduct simultaneous elections from 1951 until 1967 when some state assemblies were dissolved prematurely. This historical precedent shows that while it’s not a new idea, it comes with its own set of challenges.
The opposition parties are wary of this proposal as well. They believe that simultaneous elections could dilute local issues that often help them win state elections. Research indicates that when local concerns dominate the conversation, opposition parties can perform well against the ruling party at the center. For instance, in states like Karnataka, local issues helped opposition parties gain traction.
Moreover, implementing this proposal requires significant constitutional amendments. It needs a two-thirds majority in Parliament and ratification by at least half of the states - a tall order given the current political dynamics.
What does it look like ahead?
"One Nation, One Election" could simplify our voting process and save money but also risks overshadowing local issues and consolidating power with larger parties. As we await further developments on this proposal, it's clear that its implementation could significantly impact India's democratic fabric - simply putting our eyes on the central government AKA the Prime Minister.
What do you think? Would you prefer voting for both your MP and MLA on the same day?
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