Syllabus: GS II Polity and Governance
“Examine how the implementation of ‘One Nation, One Election’ could impact India’s federal structure and the balance of power between the Centre and the States within the electoral system.”
(15 marks, 250 words)
Introduction
The “One Nation, One Election” (ONOE) proposal seeks to synchronize Lok Sabha and state assembly elections, aimed at reducing election-related costs, minimizing governance disruptions, and enhancing efficiency. However, India’s electoral system, rooted in federalism, allows states autonomy over their election timelines. This proposal raises concerns about the centralization of power and the weakening of India’s federal structure.
Body
Potential for Greater Centralization of Power
- Diminished State Autonomy
- Synchronizing elections would override states’ constitutional right to dissolve assemblies under Article 172, restricting their ability to respond to local governance needs.
- Example: Early dissolution of assemblies in states like Andhra Pradesh (2004) or Karnataka (2018) would become difficult under ONOE.
- National Issues Overshadowing Regional Concerns
- Joint elections could result in national narratives dominating political discourse, marginalizing region-specific issues that require focused attention.
- Example: During the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, national security and central schemes overshadowed local governance debates in several states.
- Increased Dominance of National Parties
- National political parties might gain an electoral advantage, marginalizing regional parties that play a critical role in representing local aspirations.
- Example: Regional parties like the DMK in Tamil Nadu or TRS in Telangana have been instrumental in addressing unique state-level challenges.
- Dilution of Federalism
- Holding simultaneous elections risks aligning state governments too closely with the Centre, undermining cooperative federalism and political diversity.
- Example: The Sarkaria Commission emphasized the importance of maintaining a federal balance for democratic vibrancy.
- Limited Flexibility for State Governments
- States would lose flexibility in dissolving assemblies or forming new governments as per regional exigencies, potentially creating governance challenges.
- Example: Bihar’s decision to hold early elections in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic highlights the need for state-level discretion.
Impact on India’s Federal Structure
- Undermining Regional Representation
- A unified election timeline might dilute the distinct identity and representation of regional parties and leaders in governance.
- Example: The rise of regional parties like the AIADMK or BJD has significantly influenced state-centric policies and development models.
- Reduced Accountability of State Governments
- The current staggered election schedule ensures regular electoral accountability, which would be compromised under ONOE.
- Example: Frequent state elections act as a performance check, unlike the long gaps between synchronized elections.
- Challenges in Coalition Governments
- Simultaneous elections could lead to coalition politics at both the Centre and states, potentially causing instability in governance.
- Example: Post-2018 coalition politics in Karnataka highlighted the challenges in ensuring stable regional governance.
- Judicial Constraints
- The judiciary could face increased intervention in cases of premature dissolutions or hung assemblies, leading to a strain on institutional processes.
- Example: The Bommai judgment underscored the judiciary’s role in maintaining constitutional balance during state crises.
- Logistical and Constitutional Challenges
- Implementing ONOE would require major constitutional amendments (Articles 83, 85, 172, 174, and 356) and extensive logistical preparedness.
- Example: The 2018 Law Commission report flagged practical hurdles, including the need for large-scale deployment of EVMs and manpower.
Challenges to India’s Electoral System
- Staggered Accountability and Responsiveness
- The staggered election schedule ensures periodic accountability of governments at different levels, which would be diminished with synchronized polls.
- Complexity of Electoral Management
- Simultaneous elections would require unprecedented coordination between the Election Commission, state governments, and local authorities, increasing the risk of errors.
- Cost vs. Democratic Depth
- While cost savings are cited as a benefit, democracy’s robustness might suffer if local issues are sidelined or overshadowed.
Conclusion
The “One Nation, One Election” proposal has the potential to improve electoral efficiency and reduce administrative costs. However, it risks undermining India’s federal structure, weakening state autonomy, and diminishing the accountability of governments.
A balanced approach is essential to ensure that the federal spirit enshrined in the Constitution is preserved. Any move toward ONOE must be preceded by wide stakeholder consultations, robust constitutional safeguards, and mechanisms to address the unique diversity and complexities of India’s democracy.
