The Union Cabinet has approved two landmark bills to implement the ‘One Nation, One Election’ initiative, potentially changing the way elections are conducted in India. If passed in the Winter Session of Parliament, the initiative could result in simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies starting from 2034. Championed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi since 2014, the proposal aims to streamline election schedules, reduce financial and administrative costs, and ensure focused governance. However, it faces significant logistical, constitutional, and political challenges that will need careful navigation.
Historical context and proposed framework
Simultaneous elections were a norm in India until 1967, when the premature dissolution of the Lok Sabha and some state assemblies disrupted the alignment. Advocates argue that returning to this model could alleviate the financial burden of frequent elections and reduce the constant distraction of campaigning. This would enable governments to dedicate more time to governance and policy implementation.
The proposal is based on recommendations from the Kovind committee, chaired by former President Ram Nath Kovind. Under the framework, the terms of state assemblies would be aligned with the Lok Sabha through a phased adjustment. State assemblies elected after a designated “appointed date,” to be notified by the President, would either have their terms curtailed or extended to synchronize with the Lok Sabha elections. The earliest such synchronization is projected for 2034, following the Lok Sabha elections in 2029.
Logistical and operational challenges
Implementing simultaneous elections across the nation presents formidable logistical challenges. The Election Commission of India (ECI) will need to procure and deploy a significantly larger stock of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) machines. Experts estimate that the current stock of EVMs will need to be doubled to accommodate the simultaneous voting process. The procurement of essential components, such as semiconductor chips, requires a lead time of seven to eight months, while manufacturers like ECIL and BEL will need additional time to scale production. A senior ECI official pointed out that even if the bills are passed by 2025 or early 2026, the preparation for simultaneous elections in 2029 would be on a very tight timeline. Experts suggest that a phased rollout, starting with a few states, could address potential challenges and provide critical insights before a nationwide implementation.
Political and constitutional hurdles
Achieving political consensus on ‘One Nation, One Election’ remains one of the biggest obstacles. While the central government has vigorously supported the initiative, opposition parties and state governments have raised concerns about its impact on federalism. Critics argue that synchronizing state assembly elections with the Lok Sabha could dilute the autonomy of state governments, potentially centralizing power in ways that undermine regional governance.
Additionally, there are concerns about voter fatigue, logistical bottlenecks, and the risk of national issues over-shadowing state-specific concerns during a single-phase election. These apprehensions underline the need for extensive consultation and consensus-building among all stakeholders before moving forward.
A vision for the future
Despite the challenges, ‘One Nation, One Election’ offers a bold vision for India’s democracy. If implemented successfully, the initiative could streamline the electoral process, save costs, and allow governments to focus on governance without the constant disruption of election campaigns. It could also reduce the divisive rhetoric often associated with frequent elections, creating a more stable political environment.
The timeline of 2034 provides a reasonable window for preparation, but the government and the Election Commission will need to work collaboratively to address logistical concerns and ensure a robust implementation strategy. A phased approach could help mitigate risks, while maintaining the principles of inclusivity, federalism, and fairness.
The initiative represents a significant opportunity for India to showcase its ability to innovate in democratic processes. If executed with care and foresight, it could reshape the nation’s electoral landscape, setting a global benchmark for electoral efficiency and innovation.
