Table of Contents
THE CONTEXT: A committee headed by former President Ram Nath Kovind has recommended holding simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha, state legislative assemblies, municipalities, and panchayats. The report assumes that simultaneous polls are in the “national interest.”
ISSUES:
- Composition of the Committee: The committee comprised members who were perceived to align with the government’s views on simultaneous elections, raising questions about the impartiality of the report.
- Terms of Reference: The terms of reference presumed that simultaneous elections are in the “national interest,” indicating a bias towards this proposal.
- Consultation Process: The committee claimed to have invited suggestions and comments from various stakeholders, including political parties, legal experts, and economists. However, the depth of these consultations is questioned.
- Lack of In-depth Research: Despite claiming to consider all constitutional and legal objections and studying relevant literature, the report is criticized for lacking in-depth research and analysis.
- Unitary Character vs. Federal System: Concerns are raised that simultaneous elections could impose an artificial unitary character on India’s federal system, diminishing regional diversity and local governance effectiveness.
- Criticism Dismissal: The report is accused of dismissing valid criticisms from political parties and dissenting voices like Tamil Nadu Election Commissioner V Palanikumar, who highlighted potential drawbacks of One Nation One Election (ONOE).
- Political Diversity Impact: There are fears that One nation one election could diminish political diversity by favoring national parties over regional ones, potentially hindering regional representation and governance effectiveness.
THE WAY FORWARD:
- Constitutional Concerns: Address the concerns by clarifying that simultaneous elections do not impinge upon fundamental constitutional features like free and fair elections, rule of law, or citizens’ rights under Part III.
- Democratic Principles: Emphasize that simultaneous elections can enhance governance by reducing the role of financial resources, curbing populist measures, and allowing governments to focus on long-term development.
- Hung Parliament/Assembly: Implement recommendations from bodies like the Sarkaria Commission to address scenarios of a hung Parliament/Assembly, ensuring mechanisms for forming a stable government.
- Law Commission Report 2018: The Law Commission recommended exploring the feasibility of simultaneous elections to reduce the frequency of polls and associated costs. The Law Commission suggested that simultaneous elections could enhance voter participation by reducing voter fatigue and increasing engagement. Even NITI Aayog Paper also highlighted the need for holding simultaneous elections to streamline the electoral process and reduce disruptions in governance.
- International Examples: South Africa Conducts national and provincial legislature elections simultaneously for five years, enhancing efficiency and reducing election-related disruptions. Sweden Holds elections for the National Legislature and Local Bodies on fixed dates, ensuring better governance and resource utilization.
- Governance Focus and Cost Reduction: Simultaneous elections can significantly reduce the financial burden of conducting multiple elections each year, leading to cost savings. By streamlining election cycles, governments can focus more on governance rather than being constantly in election mode.
- Political Consensus and Public Awareness: Achieving consensus among political parties is crucial to formulate a workable plan for simultaneous elections, ensuring smooth implementation and addressing concerns effectively. Educating the public about the benefits of simultaneous elections, such as reduced campaign expenditure and less disruption, can garner support for this electoral reform.
THE CONCLUSION:
The panel’s report should not be the final word on a proposal with far-reaching consequences beyond political and ideological lines. In the coming days, the valid concerns of those who disagree should be respectfully heard and considered.
UPSC PAST YEAR QUESTION:
Q.1 Simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha and the State Assemblies will limit the amount of time and money spent in electioneering but it will reduce the government’s accountability to the people’ Discuss. (2017)
MAINS PRACTICE QUESTION:
Q.1 The High-Level Committee on Simultaneous Elections has recommended holding polls for Lok Sabha, state assemblies, municipalities, and panchayats concurrently. Critically analyze the key points raised in the committee’s report, discussing the potential benefits and challenges of implementing simultaneous elections in India.
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