One Nation One Election Bill, Meaning, Pros and Cons

The One Nation, One Election (ONOE) bill was introduced in Lok Sabha today after getting approved by the Union Cabinet on December 12, 2024. The bill received 269 votes in favour and 198 against it, it is expected to be sent to a parliamentary committee for scrutiny.

One Nation One Election News

What is One Nation One Election?

Objectives of One Nation One Election

• Reducing Electoral Costs: Conducting separate elections involves significant expenditure. Simultaneous polls could cut costs substantially.
• Enhancing Governance: Frequent elections lead to a "model code of conduct" phase, delaying policy implementation. Synchronized elections could ensure uninterrupted governance.
• Improving Voter Turnout: Simultaneous elections can make it more convenient for voters, potentially increasing participation.
• Streamlining Administration: Holding elections at different times strains administrative resources. A unified schedule would ease the burden.

Status of One Nation One Election Bill

• Aligning the terms of the Lok Sabha and state assemblies.
• Allowing amendments for Delhi and Union Territory assemblies.

Constitutional Amendments Required for Simultaneous Elections

• Representation of the People Act:
  • Amendments are needed to adjust the fixed terms of assemblies and align election schedules.
  • This would allow the early dissolution of some state assemblies to synchronize with Lok Sabha elections.
• Articles 83(2) and 172(1):
  • These articles set the tenure of the Lok Sabha and state assemblies at five years.
  • Amendments are required to shorten or extend assembly terms to match the election cycle.
• Provisions for Union Territories:
  • Amendments are needed for the legislative assemblies of Delhi, Puducherry, and Jammu & Kashmir.
  • This will align their election schedules with national and state elections.
• Article 356, Articles 85 and 174:
  • Amendments are needed to prevent the premature dissolution of state assemblies.
  • This will help ensure synchronization of elections.
• Article 325:
  • Amendments are required to create a single electoral roll and unified voter ID.
  • This will standardize electoral rolls across all states and territories.
• Article 324A:
  • A new article should be added to facilitate simultaneous elections for Panchayats and Municipalities.
  • This would align local elections with general and state elections.

One Nation One Election Pros and Cons

Pros of One Nation One Election

• Cost Efficiency: Synchronised elections can significantly reduce election-related expenditures on logistics, personnel, and security.
• Improved Governance : With fewer elections, government officials can focus on delivering services to the public rather than on election-related activities, improving overall governance.
• Political Stability: A single election cycle can result in more stable governments, as elections would no longer disrupt state and national politics frequently.
• Increased Voter Turnout: With elections held together, the chances of higher voter turnout are increased, as it reduces the need for citizens to vote multiple times within a short span.
• Administrative Convenience: A unified electoral process reduces the burden on administrative machinery.

Cons of One Nation One Election

• Logistical Challenges: Managing simultaneous elections for a vast and diverse country like India is complex.
• Synchronization Challenges: Coordinating elections in a diverse democracy like India can be challenging, especially if governments lose confidence in their assemblies.
• Democratic Concerns: Frequent elections enable voters to hold governments accountable more regularly.
• Regional Representation: Local issues may be overshadowed by national narratives during simultaneous elections, which could affect the spirit of federalism.