The Indian government has taken significant steps toward implementing the "One Nation, One Election" framework by introducing two Constitution Amendment Bills in the Lok Sabha: the Constitution 129th Amendment Bill 2024 and the Union Territories Laws Amendment Bill 2024. This initiative aims to synchronize elections for the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies.
Historical Context Simultaneous elections in India, where both Lok Sabha and state assembly polls were held concurrently, were last conducted between
1951 and 1967.
Highlights of the Constitution 129th Amendment Bill 2024 Proposed Addition:
Article 82A (1-6) - Defining the "Appointed Date":
- Article 82A(1) stipulates that the President will bring the proposed changes into effect on the first sitting of the newly elected Lok Sabha.
- Harmonizing Assembly Terms:
- Article 82A(2) states that the tenure of state assemblies elected post-implementation will align with the Lok Sabha's term.
- Mandating Simultaneous Polls:
- Article 82A(3) mandates the Election Commission of India (ECI) to conduct simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and all state assemblies.
- Article 82A(4) defines "simultaneous elections" as elections held for both the Lok Sabha and state assemblies at the same time.
- Exceptions and Flexibility:
- Article 82A(5) empowers the ECI to recommend postponing assembly elections if needed.
- Article 82A(6) ensures that even if state assembly polls are deferred, their tenure will conclude with the Lok Sabha's term.
Amendments to Other Articles - Article 83: If the Lok Sabha dissolves prematurely, the subsequent Lok Sabha will serve only the remainder of the original term.
- Article 172: Similar provisions apply to state assemblies, ensuring elections are conducted only for the unexpired term.
- Article 372: Proposes including "simultaneous elections" under Parliament's authority, alongside delimitation of constituencies.
Exclusions The Bill excludes
local body and municipal elections from the simultaneous elections framework.
Key Features of the Union Territories Laws Amendment Bill 2024 This Bill amends the Government of Union Territories Act, 1962, the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi Act, 1991, and the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, to align Union Territories’ elections with simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies.
Relevant Constitutional Provisions for Elections - Part XV (Articles 324–329):
- Article 324: Empowers the ECI to oversee and conduct elections.
- Article 325: Establishes a single electoral roll for all elections.
- Article 326: Mandates adult suffrage for elections.
- Articles 82 and 170: Provide for delimitation of constituencies after each census.
- Article 172: Specifies the five-year term of state assemblies.
Findings of the High-Level Committee on Simultaneous Elections Formation
The committee, led by former President
Ram Nath Kovind, was established in September 2023 to assess the viability of simultaneous elections.
Key Insights - Stability and Cost Efficiency:
- Frequent elections disrupt governance. Simultaneous polls ensure stability, reduce costs, and increase voter turnout.
- Unified Electoral Roll:
- Recommends a single electoral roll managed by the ECI and State Election Commissions to minimize redundancy.
- Logistical Planning:
- Emphasizes meticulous planning for resources and logistics to support simultaneous polls.
Challenges in Implementing Simultaneous Elections - Infrastructure Requirements:
- Robust systems for managing EVMs, VVPATs, and polling logistics are critical.
- In 2024, approximately 1.7 million Control Units and 1.8 million VVPATs were used across 1.05 million polling stations.
- Legal Hurdles:
- Amending the Constitution and implementing new provisions may face judicial scrutiny.
- Regional Representation:
- Concerns exist that simultaneous elections may overshadow regional issues during national campaigns.
- Administrative Coordination:
- Organizing synchronized elections across states involves significant logistical and security challenges.
Strategies for Smooth Implementation - Legal Framework:
- Ensure clear guidelines and constitutional amendments to harmonize election schedules.
- Enhanced Infrastructure:
- Adopt advanced technologies for unified electoral rolls and streamlined voter verification.
- Awareness Campaigns:
- Launch initiatives to educate voters on the benefits of simultaneous elections.
- Training Programs:
- Prepare election officials with specialized training for managing simultaneous polls.
By aligning elections nationwide, this initiative seeks to strengthen governance, optimize resources, and empower citizens through a streamlined democratic process.
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