What is ‘One Nation, One Election’ and what are its merits & demerits?

New Delhi: The Centre has set up a committee, headed by former President of India Ram Nath Kovind, to discuss the ‘One Nation, One Election’ concept and also explore its implementation in the country. This comes on back of Central government calling for special Parliamentary Session for 5 days, from Sept 18 to 22.

The ‘One Nation, One Election’ concept refers to merging pan-India elections into one and holding Lok Sabha and Assembly elections in all states at one time or within a stipulated time frame.

As per current practice, the elections for various State Legislatures and Lok Sabha are held separately and possess a significant time gap amongst them. The elections take place either after end of incumbent government tenure or if any assembly gets dissolved due to whatever reason.

Reports suggest that the former President along with panel members will discuss in detail with experts about the possibility of returning to ‘One Nation, One Poll’ as that existed years ago, before 1967.

Pros of One Nation, One Election

The biggest advantage of holding simultaneous elections for Parliament as well as Assemblies would be cost cut in poll expenses. It will also streamline the mammoth administrative work, undertaken during elections and help officials to work with ease.

As elections put a heavy load on state’s exchequer and demand deployment of financial resources after every few months, their simultaneous conduction will remove the ‘burden’ on state resources.

Some reports said that Lok Sabha elections 2019 saw a whopping expense of Rs 60,000 crore and this included political spending by parties as well as by Election Commission (EC).

Apart from financial relief, ‘One Nation, One Election’ concept will cut down on the engagement of security forces & administrative machinery in conducting elections, throughout the year. It will facilitate governments, of whichever party in power, to deliberate more on policy formulations rather than poll preparations.

Lastly, it will ensure seamless rollout of Central government’s new schemes & programs as they usually get blocked in poll-bound states as the Model code of conduct prevents it from implementation.

Disadvantages of One Nation, One Election

The biggest demerit of new poll model would be overshadowing of regional issues in the heat of national issues. Many poll watchers believe that matters & problems of any region may get ignored & eclipsed by national issues and thus will hamper local development.

Also, many fear that the model will lead to marginalization & ‘repression’ of regional parties as their poll pitch will get eclipsed by rhetoric of national parties.

Meanwhile, Opposition parties have trained guns at the Centre for its attempt to ‘befool’ the public and divert latter’s attention from key issues plaguing the nation.