UP PCS Mains-2025

Approach: Begin by defining the “One Nation, One Election” proposal. Present the advantages as well as the challenges of the proposal. Also suggest the way forward. Provide a balanced conclusion.

Introduction

The “One Nation, One Election” proposal seeks to synchronize elections for the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies, aiming to cut costs, reduce disruptions, and ensure smoother governance. Simultaneous elections were the norm until 1967, but since then, frequent elections have posed challenges. The Law Commission’s 170th Report supports a return to synchronized elections.

Body

Advantages:

• Cost Reduction: Combining state and national elections could significantly lower costs, potentially halving expenses like those from the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, which cost ₹60,000 crore.
• Governance Continuity: It allows governments to focus on long-term policies without the disruptions caused by the model code of conduct.
• Reduced Burden on Security Forces: Holding one election reduces the strain on security forces, particularly in regions facing security challenges like Jammu and Kashmir.
• Increased Voter Turnout: A single voting event might encourage more citizens to participate by simplifying the process.
• Less Political Polarization: Fewer elections could reduce constant political campaigning and polarization.

Challenges:

• Federalism Concerns: It may undermine state autonomy, with national issues overshadowing state-specific concerns, potentially conflicting with the federal principles upheld in cases like S.R. Bommai vs Union of India (1994).
• Constitutional Amendments: Major amendments to Articles 83, 172, 85, and 174 would be needed, potentially facing scrutiny under the “basic structure” doctrine established in Kesavananda Bharati vs State of Kerala (1973).
• Logistical Complexity: Organizing simultaneous elections would be a significant logistical challenge, requiring millions of polling booths and EVMs.
• Uncertainty in Case of Government Collapse: No clear mechanism exists for handling mid-term government collapses, such as Maharashtra’s in 2019.
• Diminished Opposition Role: Longer gaps between elections may reduce opportunities for opposition parties to hold the government accountable.

Way Forward:

• Phased Implementation: Gradually align elections by adjusting term lengths and creating clusters of states to ease the transition.
• Strengthen Regional Representation: Ensure state issues are prioritized by mandating separate manifestos for national and state elections.
• Constitutional Safeguards: Develop rules for mid-term elections, caretaker governments, and protecting state autonomy.
• Electoral Reforms: Broaden reforms, including campaign finance regulation and adjustments to the model code of conduct for simultaneous elections.

Conclusion

The “One Nation, One Election” proposal has potential benefits but requires careful planning, constitutional safeguards, and phased implementation to ensure it strengthens rather than undermines India’s democracy.