One Election One Phase

Source-This post on One Election One Phase has been created based on the article “S Y Quraishi writes: Why India needs one election, one phase” published in “The Indian Express” on 25 June 2024.

UPSC Syllabus-GS Paper-2- Salient Features of the Representation of People’s Act.

Context-The article highlights that multi-phase elections were once important for ensuring safety and fairness. However, changes in circumstances and advancements in technology require reforms to streamline the electoral process while maintaining integrity and peace.

What were the reasons for implementing multi-phase elections?

1) Multi-phase elections were introduced at a time when muscle power and violence during elections were rampant.

2) The limited deployment of central armed police forces required phased polling to ensure security in sensitive areas.

3) Political parties supported this approach because they were concerned that local police could be influenced by political pressure.

What are the issues with multi-phase elections?

1) Heat Wave– The recent election conducted in seven phases under severe temperatures (45-50°C) resulted in fatalities.

2) Social Media Explosion– Multi-phase elections in today’s digital age encounter fresh hurdles. The gap between phases allows swift spread of rumors, fake news, and hate speech through social media. This escalates communal tensions and misinformation.
For ex- The Guardian reported that Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram, authorized AI-altered political ads during India’s 2024 election. These ads spread misinformation targeting Muslims and made false allegations against opposition leaders.

3) Criticized by all stakeholders -The extended duration of the election received criticism from political parties, media outlets, and voters. Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar acknowledged the necessity for shorter elections.

What is the feasibility of conducting one election, one phase elections?

1) The Election Commission (EC) has introduced vulnerability mapping for all polling stations to identify potential troublemakers. Identified individuals are pursued under the CRPC with a bond for good behavior; nearly half a million have been identified recently.

2) Successful efforts have been made to seize illegal arms, including those licensed, which are surrendered, leading to reduced violence.

3) Government officials, including the Home Minister, have endorsed reports of peace restored in previously unstable regions.

4) There are various existing laws that can ensure peaceful elections such as-

A) IPC provisions such as Section 295A, 153A, 499, 505, and 506 address hate speech, cyber-crimes, and defamation.

B) The Representation of the People Act (RP Act), Section 125, addresses promoting enmity between classes during elections, with penalties of one to three years in prison for violations.

5) A general election can be conducted in one phase with the support of 4,000-5,000 paramilitary companies, supported by increased battalions and restored peace in sensitive areas.

Read more- Challenges of holding general elections in India during hot weather

What is the significance of one election, one phase election?

A) Reduced duration of paramilitary force deployment

B) Cost savings on prolonged campaigns

C) Less disruption to normal work and governance

D) Reduced time for mischief and hate mongering

E) Addresses Prime Minister’s expressed concerns about prolonged elections.

Question for practice

What are the challenges associated with multi-phase elections? How practical is it to conduct elections in a single phase? What are the benefits of adopting a one election, one phase approach?