India has the largest democracy in the world. which is always in election mode. There are 28 states , 8 union territories and about 1 billion eligible voters. Elections are a regular part of the political events in this country.
The Modi government promoted the proposal of " One Nation, One Election Bill" in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday. This proposal holds the idea of conducting both national and state elections at the same time every five years. Supporters believe that this approach would reduce campaign expenses. India's former president Mr. Ram Nath Kovind has a nine member committee. They suggest that having elections at the same time last year, economists experts estimate that it may increase India's GDP by as much as 1.5%.
What is one nation, one election bill?
The Indian government presented the proposal of One Nation One Election, which will synchronize all of the nation's elections (both national and state) on a single day or within a specific period of time.
India has a multiple level of democracy, and each has its own election cycle. These elections take place every five years at different time frames. Now, the government wants to align them. Politicians are chosen by state elections, members of parliament are chosen by general elections, and local governance is decided by separate votes in rural and urban councils. elections are held to fill vacancies left by members' terminations, deaths, or disqualifications.
It might be challenging for the Narendra Modi government to get passed the bill to change the Constitution to allow for at the same time national elections in Parliament. Three main opposition parties—the DMK, Samajwadi Party, and Trinamool—are convinced by it.
Who supports the proposal, and who opposes Bill?
The One Nation One Election bill was presented in Parliament on Tuesday afternoon. After 269 MPs voted in its favour and 198 against it in Lok Sabha. Union Law Minister Arjun Meghwal presented two bills that will allow simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha and state and union territory.
After Bills were introduced , the Congress had made its opposition and argued that it was unconstitutional. They claim that a system like this will unfairly favor national parties over regional ones. Party leader Jairam Ramesh declared that "The Congress party strongly and totally rejects the One Nation, One Election (ONOE) bill. They said that it affects our democracy and transparency in this nation and violates the fundamental framework.
On the other hand, former President Ram Nath Kovind who supervised the ONOE panel on January 17, said, why the Congress party was against the idea. He said the One Nation, One Election bill is just the first step in that direction, The goal is to introduce a new Constitution.
What are the key challenges in implementing this Bill?
Our Constitution is the highest law of the country. They have to change their terms and provisions to implement simultaneous elections. At least half of India's 28 state governments would have to approve some of these changes. The BJP-led alliance does not have the two-thirds majority required for the implementation of these changes. They only got a simple majority in parliament. The government has stated that it is willing to have discussions with political parties and refer the proposals to a parliamentary committee.
Conclusion
The President must declare an "appointed date" for the Lok Sabha's first session following a general election. Any Legislative Assembly elected after that date would have its term shortened to coincide with the Lok Sabha's.
If the One Nation, One Election Bill is approved, it will completely change India's election process by gradually bringing Lok Sabha and Assembly elections into line.
There are still issues, though, as opposition parties question the transparency of the constitution and want broader consultations.
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