Wed Sep 18 16:18:32 UTC 2024: ## India Approves ‘One Nation, One Election’ Proposal, Aims for Simultaneous Polls

**New Delhi, September 18 (IANS):** The Indian government has given the green light to a proposal for “One Nation, One Election” (ONOE), a plan to synchronize parliamentary and state assembly elections. The proposal, put forward by a high-level panel led by former President Ram Nath Kovind, aims to hold all elections in the country simultaneously, bringing about significant changes to the electoral landscape.

The government plans to introduce a bill to implement ONOE in the upcoming Winter session of Parliament. This initiative, a key part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 100-day agenda, seeks to reduce the frequent disruptions and costs associated with separate elections.

**Explainer: ‘One Nation, One Election’**

The ONOE concept envisions all Indian citizens casting their votes for both national and state elections in the same year, if not on the same day. Currently, only a handful of states hold elections simultaneously with the national Lok Sabha elections, while others follow a staggered five-year cycle.

**Potential Benefits and Challenges**

Proponents of ONOE argue that it will lead to substantial financial savings by reducing the need for repeated deployments of election officials and security personnel. It will also streamline the process, minimize disruptions caused by the Election Code of Conduct, and potentially boost voter turnout.

However, implementing ONOE poses significant challenges, including:

* **Constitutional Amendments:** The proposal requires amending the Constitution, requiring ratification by all states and union territories.
* **Logistical Hurdles:** Coordinating elections across the vast country with varying electoral cycles presents logistical and financial difficulties.
* **Legal Concerns:** Experts warn that without specific amendments, the proposal could face legal challenges regarding its compliance with India’s federal structure.
* **Dealing with Early Dissolution:** Determining how to handle scenarios where a state or central government is dissolved before its term ends poses a major challenge.

**History of the Proposal**

The idea of simultaneous elections dates back to the 1980s. The last time such elections were held was in the 1950s and 1960s before being disrupted by the premature dissolution of some assemblies.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has also previously recommended a feasibility report on ONOE, suggesting measures to address potential challenges such as early dissolution and no-confidence motions.

**Moving Forward**

The government’s approval of the ONOE proposal marks a significant step towards potentially reshaping India’s electoral system. However, the implementation faces significant hurdles, and its ultimate success will depend on overcoming these challenges and ensuring a smooth transition to a synchronized electoral cycle.

**Note:** The Morung Express excerpt appears to be unrelated to the ‘One Nation, One Election’ topic and has been omitted from the news article.

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