HPAS 2024 Mains GS-2 Question 2
Describe the merits and de-merits of the one nation, one election system in India.
Solution:
One Nation, One Election (ONOE) refers to the idea of synchronizing elections for the Lok Sabha and all State Legislative Assemblies to be held simultaneously. While this was the norm in India until 1967, the cycle was disrupted due to the premature dissolution of some assemblies and the Parliament.
1. Merits of ONOE
Proponents, including the High-Level Committee led by Ram Nath Kovind, argue that simultaneous elections would benefit the nation in several ways:
- Reduced Election Expenditure: Continuous election cycles lead to massive spending by the ECI, political parties, and candidates. Synchronization would significantly lower these costs.
- Governance Continuity: The frequent imposition of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) leads to “policy paralysis” as new welfare schemes and developmental projects cannot be launched. ONOE would limit this disruption to once every five years.
- Reduced Administrative Burden: Frequent elections divert teachers, police, and civil servants from their primary duties for prolonged periods.
- Mitigating Communal/Caste Rhetoric: Continuous campaigning often incentivizes short-term populist measures and polarizing rhetoric. A single election cycle might encourage a focus on long-term national policy.
- Higher Voter Turnout: Synchronized elections reduce “voter fatigue” and make it easier for internal migrants to travel to their home constituencies to vote for both levels of government at once.
2. De-merits of ONOE
Critics and various opposition parties highlight significant constitutional and federal concerns:
- Federalism Concerns: Synchronizing state and national elections might lead to “national issues” overshadowing “local/regional issues,” potentially disadvantageous to regional parties.
- Constitutional Hurdles: Implementation requires multiple amendments to the Constitution (Articles 83, 85, 172, and 174) and the Representation of the People Act, 1951. It also raises the question of what happens if a government falls midway due to a No-Confidence Motion.
- Voter Influence: Studies suggest that in synchronized elections, there is a high probability (~77%) that voters will choose the same party for both the Centre and the State, leading to a “presidential” style of majoritarian politics.
- Logistical Nightmare: The ECI would require double the number of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and VVPATs, along with a massive increase in the deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF).
The Law Commission of India (170th Report) and the NITI Aayog (2017) have previously recommended moving toward a synchronized cycle to ensure stability and efficiency.
Concise Model Answer (150-Word Limit)
One Nation, One Election (ONOE) seeks to synchronize Lok Sabha and State Assembly polls. Its merits include reducing the massive financial burden of frequent elections, preventing “policy paralysis” caused by the repetitive imposition of the Model Code of Conduct, and ensuring administrative staff remain focused on public service rather than election duties.
However, it faces serious de-merits and challenges:
- Federal Issues: Regional issues may be eclipsed by national narratives, harming the interests of state-specific parties.
- Constitutional Complexity: It requires complex amendments to Articles 83 and 172, and lacks a clear mechanism for dealing with premature dissolutions.
- Democratic Impact: It may encourage majoritarian trends, as voters tend to support the same party at both levels during synchronized polls.
In conclusion, while ONOE offers efficiency and stability, its implementation must be balanced with federal principles and democratic diversity through a broad political consensus.