[Answered] “Frequent elections, while resource-intensive, enhance electoral accountability in a democracy.” Critically analyze this statement in the context of the ‘One Nation, One Election’ proposal.

The ‘One Nation, One Election’ (ONOE) proposal, encapsulated in the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Amendment) Bill, 2024, seeks to synchronize elections for the Lok Sabha, State Assemblies, and Union Territories’ Legislative Assemblies.

Challenges Posed by ONOE to Representative Democracy

• Risk of Overlooking State-Specific Issues: Synchronizing elections may lead to national narratives overshadowing local concerns, diluting the federal spirit.
• Erosion of Autonomy: Fixed tenures could limit states’ ability to dissolve assemblies independently, reducing flexibility in governance.
• Inadequate Public Consultation: The ONOE process fell short of the 2014 Pre-Legislative Consultation Policy. The limited 10-day feedback period and lack of explanatory material undermined citizens’ ability to engage meaningfully.
• Superficial Engagement: Seeking binary ‘yes/no’ responses on complex issues eroded the quality of democratic deliberation.
• Populism: While ONOE promises cost-efficiency and governance continuity, it may also, encourage populism during synchronized election campaigns & centralize political power, weakening intermediary institutions and grassroots representation, echoing concerns raised by Jayaprakash Narayan about India’s parliamentary democracy.

Way Forward

• Enhanced Public Engagement: Adhere to the Pre-Legislative Consultation Policy to foster transparency and inclusivity.
• Phased Implementation: Pilot ONOE in select regions to test its feasibility and address logistical challenges.
• Institutional Safeguards: Strengthen mechanisms to protect federalism and localized representation.
• Regular Accountability Mechanisms: Explore innovative ways, such as mid-term reviews or enhanced legislative oversight, to maintain accountability between synchronized elections.

Conclusion

The ONOE proposal represents a significant electoral reform aimed at administrative efficiency. However, its potential to centralize power, dilute electoral accountability, and undermine federalism necessitates a cautious and inclusive approach. Strengthening public trust through transparent processes and safeguarding the principles of representative democracy is essential for such a transformative change to succeed. India’s democratic fabric must prioritize citizen participation and inclusivity over administrative expediency to remain representative in both letter and spirit.