Introduction
India, the world’s largest democracy, conducts elections on a massive scale — both in terms of logistics and frequency. With 17 general elections and numerous state elections over the decades, the electoral process is an almost continuous cycle. This has led to discussions on streamlining the system through the "One Nation, One Election" proposal, aiming for simultaneous elections to Parliament and State Assemblies.
The proposal, reintroduced into public discourse with renewed intensity in 2023–24 by the Indian government, has sparked nationwide debate. While proponents cite cost-saving, efficiency, and improved governance, critics point to the threats it may pose to the federal structure and democratic diversity of India.
What is One Nation, One Election?
The concept involves conducting elections to the Lok Sabha (national parliament) and all State Legislative Assemblies at the same time, once every five years. This was a practice in India until 1967, after which political instability and dissolution of assemblies broke the synchronization.
Key Elements:
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Unified election schedule across the country
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Common electoral rolls and voter lists
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Simultaneous deployment of security, EVMs, and personnel
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A fixed tenure of five years for both Lok Sabha and State Assemblies
Why is It Being Proposed Now?
In 2023, the Indian government set up a High-Level Committee under former President Ram Nath Kovind to examine the feasibility of One Nation, One Election. The idea was also highlighted in Election Commission recommendations and Law Commission reports over the years.
Arguments in Favour
💰 Cost Efficiency
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Frequent elections lead to massive spending by the government and political parties
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Simultaneous elections could save billions of rupees every five years
📚 Administrative Convenience
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Constant elections strain government machinery, teachers, police, and civil services
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It hampers normal administration and development work
🕊️ Governance Stability
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Governments often avoid tough decisions due to upcoming elections in some state or the other
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Simultaneous elections would provide five years of focused governance
📢 Reduction in Model Code of Conduct (MCC) Disruptions
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MCC halts new announcements or projects during elections, affecting governance
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A single election would minimize these interruptions
🧠 Voter Clarity
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Voters may find it easier to make informed choices when both national and state visions are presented together
Arguments Against the Proposal
🏛️ Federalism at Risk
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India is a Union of States; state governments have independent mandates
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Clubbing state elections with national ones could erode state autonomy
🎯 Different Electoral Issues
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Voters differentiate between national and state-level issues
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Clubbing both may cause a "national wave" to override local concerns
📅 Logistical Challenges
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Aligning elections would require extensive constitutional amendments
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Several assemblies will need to extend or curtail their terms, which is undemocratic
💬 Disruption of Democratic Rhythm
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Elections offer citizens regular opportunities to express political choices
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Reducing frequency may limit public participation in governance decisions
Constitutional and Legal Hurdles
To implement One Nation, One Election, major constitutional changes would be required:
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Amendments to Articles 83, 85, 172, 174, and 356 of the Constitution
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Synchronizing elections that were previously disrupted due to mid-term dissolutions
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Consent of half of the states may be needed, as the proposal impacts the federal structure
It also raises legal questions on:
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What happens if a state government falls prematurely?
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Will it go under President’s Rule until the next joint election?
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Or will by-elections still be allowed?
Examples from Other Countries
Some countries conduct synchronized elections, like Sweden, South Africa, and Belgium. However, these nations have unitary or quasi-federal structures, unlike India’s strong federal framework.
India's size, diversity, and political culture are unique, making a simple adoption of foreign models difficult.
Recent Developments
In September 2023, the High-Level Committee began consultations with:
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Election Commission of India
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Legal experts and constitutional scholars
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Political parties
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Former Chief Election Commissioners
A report is expected soon on implementation modalities, which could include:
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Holding joint elections in phases
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Using two-stage implementation (first with Lok Sabha + some states, then expand)
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Legal provisions for contingency plans if governments collapse
Conclusion
“One Nation, One Election” is a bold and ambitious idea that could significantly reshape Indian democracy. It has the potential to save time, money, and energy — all while ensuring that governance is not frequently interrupted. However, the risks to federalism, the logistical hurdles, and the need for wide political consensus cannot be ignored.
For a reform of this magnitude, bipartisan support, detailed legal frameworks, and public dialogue are essential. India's democracy thrives on diversity, and any attempt to standardize elections must ensure that state identities and voices are not muted under a national shadow.
Only a careful, phased, and consensus-driven approach can make this vision a true reform and not a democratic dilemma.