The Union Cabinet has approved the contentious ‘One Nation One Election’ Bill, paving the way for simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and state Assemblies, and potentially municipal and panchayat polls in the future. Sources indicate the bill could be introduced in Parliament during the ongoing session.
The Bill stems from recommendations by a panel led by former President Ram Nath Kovind. Speaking on the matter, Kovind emphasized the importance of building consensus, stating, “This issue is not in the interest of any one party… but the nation. It will be a game-changer.” Economists consulted by the panel predicted a potential GDP boost of 1 to 1.5 percent if the measure is implemented.
The Kovind panel’s earlier report, approved by the Cabinet in September, found widespread support for the proposal. It included input from 32 political parties and prominent judicial figures, including former Chief Justices of the Supreme Court and High Court judges.
Benefits of ‘One Nation One Election’ Outlined by the Panel
Streamline Electoral Processes: Synchronizing elections would reduce the frequency of polls, making the process more efficient.
Boost Economic Growth: One election cycle would minimize disruptions for businesses, enabling more consistent decision-making.
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Optimize Resources: Conducting simultaneous elections would save financial and logistical resources.
Avoid Supply Chain Disruptions: Single-phase elections could prevent interruptions in production cycles caused by workers leaving for voting.
Prevent Policy Paralysis: Frequent elections often delay policy implementation; synchronized elections could resolve this.
Challenges Ahead
Despite the proposed advantages, the ‘One Nation, One Election’ bill faces significant challenges, including legal and logistical hurdles. For instance, aligning the terms of the Lok Sabha and various state Assemblies would require constitutional amendments and political consensus across the states.
Proponents of ‘One Nation One Election’ argue that the measure would foster stable governance by reducing the “atmosphere of uncertainty” caused by frequent elections. However, critics caution that implementing the policy could centralize power and reduce the flexibility of democratic processes at the state level.
As the government prepares to introduce the bill in Parliament, debates over its feasibility, benefits, and potential downsides are expected to intensify. If passed, the policy could mark a historic shift in India’s electoral system, transforming how democracy functions in the world’s largest democracy.
