Debate related to One Nation and One Election

Source: This post on Debate related to One Nation, One Election has been created based on article “The Looming Threat to Federalism and Democratic Tenets” published in The Hindu on 4^th January 2025.

UPSC Syllabus topic: GS 2-Polity

Context: The article critically examines the “One Nation, One Election” (ONOE) proposal advocated by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)/National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in India. This framework seeks to synchronize elections for the Lok Sabha (Parliament) and State Assemblies into a single electoral cycle. While the proposal is touted for its fiscal and administrative efficiencies, the article highlights its potential to undermine India’s federal structure and democratic principles as enshrined in the Constitution. Debate related to One Nation and One Election

What is the “One Nation, One Election” (ONOE) proposal?

1. The ONOE framework seeks to synchronize Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections under a single electoral cycle, aimed at administrative and fiscal efficiency.
2. However, it raises concerns about its impact on India’s federalist and democratic structure.

What is the historical context of simultaneous elections in India?

1. Initial Practice: Post-Independence, India held simultaneous elections for Parliament and State Assemblies.
2. Disruption by Article 356: President’s Rule (Article 356) disrupted this cycle, beginning with Kerala in 1959, marking federal overreach by overriding State autonomy.
3. Misuse of Article 356: Initially termed a “dead letter” by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, Article 356 has been invoked over 130 times since Independence, often for political expediency, despite the S.R. Bommai case judgment limiting its misuse.

What role does defection play in destabilizing State governments?

1. Threat of Defections: Legislators frequently switch parties for incentives, causing government instability.
2. Anti-Defection Law: Enacted in 1985 under the 52nd Amendment, it penalizes defectors but has loopholes, such as delays in Speaker decisions and allowances for group defections, rendering it ineffective.

Why is ONOE a concern for India’s federal structure?

1. Impact on State Autonomy: Aligning State elections with national cycles may curtail or extend State government terms, undermining their autonomy.
2. Democratic Value Compromised: Abbreviated State government tenures due to ONOE would breach the principle of “one person, one vote, one value,” reducing voter mandates to incomplete representation.
3. Blurred Accountability: Holding State elections with national ones could impair voters’ ability to assess State government performance.

What logistical and financial challenges does ONOE present?

Logistical Challenges

1. Resource Burden: Managing elections for over 900 million voters, including Lok Sabha, State, and local bodies, would strain the Election Commission of India, security forces, and administrative systems.
2. Voter Fatigue: Frequent elections may confuse or exhaust voters, diminishing electoral engagement.

Financial challenges

While ONOE is promoted as a cost-saving mechanism, it may lead to frequent elections if governments fall prematurely, counteracting the financial and administrative efficiencies touted by its proponents.

What systemic issues need to be addressed before implementing ONOE?

1. Misuse of Article 356: Strengthen safeguards to prevent arbitrary dismissal of State governments.
2. Anti-Defection Reforms: Introduce time-bound resolutions and stricter provisions to curb defections.
3. Federal Balance: Ensure States retain autonomy and are treated as equal partners in governance.

What is the broader threat posed by ONOE?

1. Centralization of Power: Forcing States to conform to a unified electoral cycle risks diluting their independence, weakening the federal structure.
2. Constitutional Impact: ONOE could undermine the basic structure of the Constitution, which recognizes India’s diversity and plurality.

What is the ultimate requirement for democratic governance in India?

1. True democratic governance demands systemic reforms to uphold federalism, empower State governments, and align practices with constitutional principles.
2. Implementing ONOE without addressing these foundational issues risks exacerbating existing vulnerabilities rather than resolving them.