The Potential Impact of "One Nation, One Election" on the Democratic Fabric of the World's Largest Democracy

‘One nation, one election’: Cabinet clears Bills for simultaneous Lok Sabha, Assembly polls, set to be tabled this session”

The two Bills, it is learned, are likely to be introduced in the ongoing Parliament session and referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) for wider consultation.

?Based on the above news on THE INDIAN EXPRESS, India Edition, Friday, Dec 13, 2024, found at https://indianexpress.com/article/india/one-nation-one-election-bill-cabinet-nod-pm-narendra-modi-bjp-9720774/

I would like to express some of the points of my opinion as mentioned below.

Introduction

India, often celebrated as the world's largest democracy, prides itself on its diversity, vibrant electoral processes, and federal governance. However, the proposal for One Nation, One Election—a system that advocates simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha (Parliament) and State Assemblies—has sparked widespread debate. While it promises administrative efficiency, its potential impact on the democratic fabric raises significant concerns.

The Promise of One Nation, One Election

Proponents argue that simultaneous elections could revolutionize governance and election management:

Cost Efficiency: India incurs substantial expenses in conducting staggered elections across its vast geography. Synchronizing elections could save significant resources.

Focus on Governance: Frequent elections mean governments often operate under the constraints of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC), halting policymaking. One unified electoral cycle would allow uninterrupted governance.

Reduced Electoral Fatigue: Regular elections keep political parties and voters in perpetual campaign mode. A synchronized cycle could ease this burden.

Higher Voter Participation: Conducting elections for both the center and states on the same day might enhance voter turnout by combining efforts.

The Risks to India's Democratic Fabric

While the potential efficiencies are evident, the proposal also carries risks that could undermine the essence of India's democracy:

1. Threat to Federalism

India’s democracy thrives on its federal structure, where power is shared between the Union and State governments. One Nation, One Election could centralize political discourse, overshadowing state-specific issues and reducing the autonomy of regional parties. This could dilute the federal balance and homogenize India's political landscape.

2. National Issues Overshadowing Regional Priorities

Simultaneous elections may result in voters prioritizing national issues and leadership over local concerns. This "nationalization" of elections could marginalize the relevance of state-specific matters, undermining the democratic representation of diverse local aspirations.

3. Impact on Smaller and Regional Parties

India’s political pluralism is driven by a robust ecosystem of regional parties that champion the causes of specific states or communities. Simultaneous elections might skew electoral outcomes in favor of larger, national parties, reducing the influence of smaller parties and diminishing political diversity.

4. Challenges in Implementation

Aligning elections would require significant constitutional amendments and logistical adjustments, such as dissolving some state assemblies prematurely or extending their terms. Such measures could disrupt the democratic process, raising questions about fairness and political manipulation.

5. Risk of Centralized Power

A unified electoral cycle could pave the way for an electoral mandate overwhelmingly favoring a single political party or leader at both the state and national levels. This concentration of power could reduce checks and balances, risking authoritarian tendencies.

The Symbolism of Frequent Elections in India

Frequent elections are often criticized for causing disruptions, but they also symbolize India’s democratic vibrancy. By giving citizens regular opportunities to express their political preferences, staggered elections reinforce accountability and strengthen the connection between governments and the governed.

Is There a Middle Path?

Instead of implementing One Nation, One Election in its entirety, India could explore phased or regional election cycles. Grouping states into clusters for synchronized elections every two years could balance cost-efficiency with the preservation of federalism and regional representation.

Conclusion: A Test for India’s Democracy

One Nation, One Election presents a dilemma between administrative efficiency and the preservation of democratic pluralism. While the idea promises practical benefits, its implementation must not compromise India’s federal structure, the autonomy of states, or the voice of regional parties. In a democracy as diverse as India’s, electoral processes must prioritize inclusivity, representation, and the decentralized nature of governance.

India must tread carefully, ensuring that any electoral reform strengthens its democracy rather than eroding its foundational principles. After all, democracy in the largest democracy in the world must be as much about efficiency as it is about equity and representation.