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Why in the News?

Lok Sabha extended the tenure of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the “One Nation, One Election” Bills till Monsoon Session 2026. 

What Is One Nation, One Election (ONOE)? 

The concept of ONOE proposes synchronizing the elections for the Lok Sabha and all State Legislative Assemblies to be held simultaneously, either on a single day or within a specific timeframe. 

This idea aims to reform the electoral process by reducing costs, minimizing policy paralysis, and improving governance efficiency.

The first four general elections from 1951 to 1967 were held simultaneously for the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies. 

• This cycle was disrupted after 1967 due to the premature dissolution of several State Assemblies and the Lok Sabha itself

The Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill, 2024, which proposes simultaneous elections based on the Kovind Committee recommendations, is currently under review by a JPC.

• Phased Implementation: A two-step process is suggested.
1. Step 1: Synchronize elections for the Lok Sabha and all State Legislative Assemblies. The President will notify an "Appointed Date" for this synchronization.
2. Step 2: Hold elections for local bodies (Municipalities and Panchayats) within 100 days of the general elections.
• Handling Mid-Term Dissolutions: If a government falls, the newly elected house will only serve the "remainder term" of the original five-year cycle, ensuring the election schedule is not disturbed.
• Single Electoral Roll: The Election Commission of India (ECI) will create a single electoral roll and voter ID (EPIC) for all three tiers of government, in consultation with State Election Commissions. This would require an amendment to Article 325 of the Constitution.
• Constitutional Amendments: The committee proposed amendments to; Article 83 (Duration of Lok Sabha), Article 172 (Duration of State Assemblies), and the introduction of a new Article 324A to enable synchronization of local body polls.

Arguments in Favour of 'One Nation, One Election'

Reduces Massive Expenditure

Frequent elections place a huge financial burden on the public exchequer. 

• The 2024 Lok Sabha elections were estimated to be the most expensive globally, costing around ₹1.35 lakh crore in total expenditure. (Source: Centre for Media Studies Report) 
• ONOE would  cut these costs.

Prevents Governance Paralysis

The repeated imposition of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) halts developmental projects and policy decisions. 

• ONOE would ensure an uninterrupted five-year term for governance, promoting long-term reforms over short-term populist measures. 

Efficient Use of Security and Administrative Staff

Elections require the deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) and polling personnel, diverting them from their primary duties. 

• Simultaneous polls would optimize the use of this crucial manpower. 

What are the Challenges In Implementing 'One Nation, One Election'

Threat to Federalism

Critics argue that ONOE undermines India's federal structure, a 'Basic Structure' of the Constitution. 

• It may force the dissolution of stable state governments to align with the central election cycle, potentially submerging regional issues under national narratives.

Erosion of Accountability

The provision for a "remainder term" government could weaken democratic accountability. A government elected for a short term may lack the incentive to implement long-term policies.

Major Logistical Hurdles

Implementing ONOE requires a massive number of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and VVPATs. The ECI estimated a need for ₹10,000 crore just for procuring additional EVMs every 15 years.

Impact on Voter Behaviour

An analysis of election data from 1999 to 2014 indicates a 77% probability that voters choose the same party for both State Assembly and Lok Sabha elections when they are held simultaneously.

Way Forward

Constitutional Compliance

The 129th Constitutional Amendment Bill must be passed with a special majority in both Houses of Parliament and be ratified by at least 50% of State Legislatures, as it directly alters the federal relationship between the Centre and States under Article 368.

Political Consensus Building

A broad-based dialogue must be initiated with regional political parties to address fears that local issues might be overshadowed by national narratives, ensuring the reform respects  multi-party democracy.

Ensuring Legislative Stability

India should adopt a "Constructive Vote of No-Confidence"—a system where a government can only be ousted if an alternative majority is ready—to prevent premature dissolution of houses and keep the five-year cycle intact.

Institutionalizing a Common Electoral Roll

Parliament should enact a law under Article 325 to create a single, unified electoral roll for all three tiers (Centre, State, and Local), eliminating the current administrative redundancy and voter confusion.

Protecting Regional Narrative

To prevent national issues from drowning out local ones, the Election Commission could mandate separate campaign windows or dedicated media slots for State and Local body issues during the synchronised polling period.

Legal Framework for Hung Assemblies

Clear constitutional guidelines must be established to handle a "Hung Assembly" situation, prioritising the formation of a coalition government or an all-party "Unity Government" before considering a mid-term election.

Conclusion

'One Nation, One Election' can drive administrative efficiency and economic stability, provided it secures political consensus and protects federal diversity through legal safeguards

Source: NEWSONAIR