| Introduction: Contextual Introduction Body: Implications of ONOE, benefits and challenges in the context of cooperative federalism. Conclusion: Way forward |
The proposal for “One Nation, One Election” (ONOE), aimed at synchronizing elections to the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies, has sparked significant debate.
Contents
Federalism and Democratic Principles at Stake
- Curtailment or Extension of Tenures: Synchronizing election cycles would require constitutional amendments, particularly to Articles 83 and 172, to alter the fixed terms of legislatures. This would force State governments to curtail or extend their terms, undermining the autonomy guaranteed under the federal structure.
- Misuse of Article 356: Historically, the frequent invocation of the President’s Rule (over 130 times since Independence) has undermined federalism. ONOE could exacerbate this trend by facilitating greater central control over State governments.
- Blurring of State and National Issues: Simultaneous elections could dilute the distinct mandate for State governments, as voters may prioritize national issues over regional concerns, thereby weakening local governance.
- Shortened Mandates: In case of midterm dissolutions, new governments may serve truncated tenures, violating the democratic principle of “one person, one vote, one value.”
- Defections and Political Instability: The inadequacies in the Anti-Defection Law, and delays in disqualification decisions, could destabilize State governments further under ONOE.
Challenges
- Logistical and Administrative Feasibility: Managing simultaneous elections across a country as vast and diverse as India poses significant logistical challenges, such as deploying security forces and election machinery.
- Disruption to Political Accountability: Reducing the frequency of elections may delay voters’ ability to hold governments accountable for non-performance, affecting the responsiveness of governments to public concerns.
- Marginalization of Regional Parties: Smaller regional parties may struggle to compete with national parties, as the latter can dominate synchronized elections with broader resources and outreach.
Potential Benefits of ONOE
- Cost Efficiency: Reducing the frequency of elections would lower expenditure on security, logistics, and administrative processes.
- Policy Continuity: Governments at both national and State levels could focus on long-term developmental policies rather than being distracted by frequent electoral cycles.
- Reduced Electoral Fatigue: A synchronized schedule could reduce voter fatigue caused by frequent elections and encourage higher voter turnout.
Conclusion
True democratic governance requires prioritizing the spirit of cooperative federalism, strengthening State autonomy, and ensuring a balance between fiscal efficiency and democratic integrity. Without these foundational reforms, ONOE risks becoming a centralizing device, contrary to the pluralistic ethos of India’s Constitution.
