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Introduction:
A Simple Introduction regarding "One Nation, One Election"
Simultaneous elections, commonly known as "One Nation, One Election," entail conducting elections for the Lok Sabha, all state Legislative Assemblies, and urban and rural local bodies (municipalities and panchayats) concurrently. The High-Level Committee (HLC) report indicates that currently, the country witnesses five to six elections annually, with the inclusion of municipal and panchayat elections significantly escalating the frequency of electoral processes.
Body
The following information in the body of your answer might be appropriate
Key recommendations of the committee:
(i) Constitutional Amendment
The committee suggests amending the Constitution to facilitate simultaneous elections through two phases:
(a) Initially, simultaneous elections will be conducted for the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies, requiring no ratification by the states for the constitutional amendment.
(b) Subsequently, elections for municipalities and panchayats will align with those for the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies, ensuring that local body elections occur within 100 days of the national and state elections. This step necessitates ratification by at least half of the states.
(ii) Unified Electoral Roll and Election ID
The committee proposes amending the Constitution to authorize the Election Commission of India to prepare a single electoral roll and electoral photo identity cards for all three tiers of government elections, in consultation with state election commissions. These amendments mandate ratification by at least half of the states.
(iii) Contingency Measures for Hung House, etc.
In situations involving a hung House, no-confidence motions, or similar circumstances, the committee recommends conducting fresh elections to constitute the new Lok Sabha or state Assembly for the remaining term.
(iv) Logistics Planning
To meet logistical requirements, the committee suggests that the Election Commission of India, in collaboration with State Election Commissions, pre-plan and estimate logistical needs such as manpower, polling personnel, security forces, EVMs/VVPATs deployment, to ensure the conduct of free and fair simultaneous elections across all three tiers of government.
Conclusion:
A Balanced answer in your conclusion should be there
Currently, elections are independently scheduled, adhering to timelines dictated by the terms of each elected body. Although efforts by the central government, state governments, political parties, and the Election Commission of India have been undertaken, the concept of simultaneous elections was first implemented in seven states—Bihar, Bombay, Madras, Mysore, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal—in 1957
Other Points to Ponder
Reasons in favour of holding simultaneous elections
Election Commission
Previous Year Questions Discuss the role of the Election Commission of India in the light of the evolution of the Model Code of Conduct. (2022) In the light of recent controversy regarding the use of Electronic Voting Machine (EVM), what are the challenges before the Election Commission of India to ensure the trustworthiness of elections in India? (2018) |