One Nation One Election Bill Likely In Lok Sabha Today:What Does It Mean? When Will It Become A Law?

Union Law and Justice Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal is expected to introduce the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Amendment) Bill, 2024, in the Lok Sabha on today, that is Tuesday, 17th December 2024. The bill will pave the way for the ‘One Nation, One Election’ proposal, which aims to hold simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies across the country. Additionally, the law minister is likely to introduce Bills to amend the Government of Union Territories Act, 1963, the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi Act, 1991, and the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, as per the day’s schedule.

One Nation One Election: What Is The Agenda?

These bills seek to align assembly elections in Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir, and Puducherry for simultaneous elections.

The Union Cabinet had, in September, accepted the recommendations of a High-Level Committee on Simultaneous Elections, chaired by former President Ram Nath Kovind.

The committee’s report outlined the implementation of simultaneous polls in two phases: holding Lok Sabha and assembly elections together in the first phase and conducting local body elections (panchayat and municipal polls) within 100 days of the general elections. The panel also recommended a common electoral roll for all elections.

Several INDIA bloc parties have opposed the bill, while BJP-led NDA alliance parties have welcomed it, claiming that it would save time, reduce election costs, and streamline the electoral process nationwide.

One Nation One Election: Criticism

Senior Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP Digvijaya Singh raised concerns about the bill’s practicality. He said, “If a state government falls in six months or loses its majority, will the state have to remain without a government for the rest of the 4.5 years? Elections cannot be postponed for more than six months in any state. If ‘One Nation, One Election’ is introduced and a government in a state falls within six months, or a no-confidence motion is passed, will we remain without a government for 4.5 years? This is not possible in this country. Earlier, governments used to complete their full term of five years, but today some governments fall in 2.5 years and some in three years.”

Congress MP Jairam Ramesh demanded that the bill be referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), arguing that it undermines democracy. “The bill will be presented in Parliament, and we want it to be referred to the Joint Parliamentary Committee, which will hold discussions on it. The Indian National Congress’s position was clarified last year by party president Mallikarjun Kharge, who sent a four-page letter to former President Ram Nath Kovind’s committee on ‘One Nation, One Election,’ stating that we oppose the bill,” Ramesh told ANI.

On December 12, the ‘One Nation, One Election’ bill was approved by the Union Cabinet, paving the way for its introduction in Parliament. Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the Cabinet’s decision, calling it a significant step towards enhancing India’s democracy, as reported by ANI.

One Nation One Election: Rationale

The points below are based on the findings of the report issued by the High-Level Committee on Simultaneous Elections, headed by former President Ram Nath Kovind:

• Promotes Consistency in Governance: Due to the ongoing cycle of elections in various parts of the country, political parties, their leaders, legislators, and both State and Central Governments often focus their efforts on preparing for upcoming elections rather than prioritizing governance. The adoption of simultaneous elections would refocus the government’s attention towards developmental activities and the implementation of policies aimed at promoting the welfare of the masses.
   
• Prevents Policy Paralysis: The implementation of the Model Code of Conduct during elections disrupts routine administrative activities and developmental initiatives. This disruption not only hampers the progress of vital welfare schemes but also leads to governance uncertainty. Holding simultaneous elections would mitigate the prolonged enforcement of the MCC, thereby reducing policy paralysis and enabling continuous governance.
   
• Mitigates Resource Diversion: The deployment of a substantial number of personnel for election duties, such as polling officials and civil servants, can lead to significant diversion of resources from their core responsibilities. With elections conducted simultaneously, the need for frequent deployment would diminish, allowing government officials and public institutions to focus more on their primary roles rather than election-related tasks.
   
• Preserves Regional Party Relevance: Holding simultaneous elections does not undermine the role of regional parties. In fact, it encourages a more localized focus during elections, enabling regional parties to highlight their unique concerns and aspirations. This setup fosters a political environment where local issues are not overshadowed by national election campaigns, thus preserving the relevance of regional voices.
   
• Enhances Political Opportunities: Conducting elections simultaneously entails a more equitable allocation of political opportunities and responsibilities within political parties. Currently, it is not uncommon for certain leaders within a party to dominate the electoral landscape, contesting elections at multiple levels and monopolizing key positions. In the scenario of simultaneous elections, there arises greater scope for diversification and inclusivity among political workers representing various parties, allowing a wider range of leaders to emerge and contribute to the democratic process.
   
• Focus on Governance: The ongoing cycle of elections across the country diverts attention from good governance. Political parties focus more on election-related activities to secure victories, leaving less time for development and essential governance. Synchronised elections would allow parties to dedicate their efforts to addressing the needs of the electorate, reducing instances of conflicts and aggressive campaigning.
   
• Reduced Financial Burden: Conducting simultaneous elections could significantly cut down the financial costs associated with multiple election cycles. This model reduces the expenditure related to the deployment of resources like manpower, equipment, and security for each individual election. The economic benefits include a more efficient allocation of resources and better fiscal management, fostering a conducive environment for economic growth and investor confidence.