• Ekta Basoya

Abstract:The concept of 'One Nation, One Election' (ONOE) has emerged as a prominent and debated proposal in the Indian political sphere in recent years. This paper undertakes a comprehensive examination of the potential impact of ONOE on various facets of Indian polity, including electoral processes, political parties, federalism, and the overall democratic framework of the nation. By delving into the historical backdrop of Indian elections, scrutinizing the constitutional dimensions, and drawing insights from global precedents, this research paper endeavors to offer a holistic perspective on the implications of ONOE. It seeks to shed light on the challenges and advantages associated with the implementation of this electoral reform in India. Through a detailed analysis, this study aims to contribute to the ongoing discourse surrounding ONOE, enabling a better understanding of its potential consequences on the Indian political landscape. The central idea behind One nation, One election is to synchronize the timing of Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections across all States to reduce the frequency of polls throughout the country. This concept was the practice till 1967, but it was disrupted due to various reasons such as defections, dismissals, and dissolutions of government. The cycle was first broken in 1959 after the Centre invoked Article 356 to dismiss the then-Kerala government. Subsequently, due to defections and counter-defections between parties, several Legislative Assemblies dissolved post-1960, which eventually led to separate polls for Lok Sabha and State Assemblies .Currently, the assembly polls in the States of Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Andhra Pradesh and Odisha are held together with the Lok Sabha elections.The idea of conducting simultaneous elections was advocated in 1999 by the Law Commission headed by BP Jeevan Reddy. It enables the government to concentrate on governance once the elections are over. Today, there is some election or the other in some part of the country, at least every three months. The entire attention of the country becomes focused on these elections. From the Prime Minister to Union ministers, from chief ministers to ministers to MPs, MLAs and panchayat members — everyone gets deeply involved with these elections, as nobody wants to lose. There is a virtual paralysis of administration at various levels in varying degrees. This reflects very badly on India’s growth prospects. Continuity in Policy Decisions: The Model Code of Conduct (MCC) comes to play just after the elections are announced by the Election Commission (EC). No new policy decisions are taken during elections due to the MCC. Therefore, key policy decisions get delayed both at the Centre and in the states and local bodies. Even when no fresh policy decision is necessary, implementation of ongoing projects gets derailed during election periods as the political executive as well as government officials would be engaged with election duties, neglecting routine administration. One of the main reasons for political corruption is frequent elections. An enormous amount of money has to be raised at every election. Election expenses of political parties can be reduced drastically if elections are held simultaneously. There would be no duplication of fundraising. This would save the public and business community from a lot of pressure for election donations, multiple times. According to a report, during 2019 Lok Sabha Elections, Rs 60, 000 Crores were spent. Furthermore, the expenses incurred by the EC can be reduced if elections are held simultaneously. Of course, the EC would have to invest a considerable amount of money initially to put in place the necessary infrastructure. Moreover, the same electoral rolls can be used for all the elections. This will save a tremendous amount of time and money spent in updating electoral rolls. It will also make it easier for the citizens as they would not have to worry about their names missing from electoral rolls once they are enlisted. A large number of police personnel and paramilitary forces are engaged to ensure that elections are conducted peacefully. This involves massive redeployment, involving huge costs. It also diverts key law enforcement personnel from their critical functions. Such deployment can be curtailed with simultaneous elections. Holding elections at specific periods could potentially reduce horse-trading by elected representatives, which remains a concern even with anti-defection law in place. Holding elections at fixed intervals can make it harder for them to switch parties or form alliances for personal gains. Reduced Freebies and Improved State Finances: Frequent elections lead to governments taking policy decisions to woo the electorate at every election. Even though this cannot be stopped fully, the frequency with which governments have to announce freebies will come down. Frequent elections have led to a situation where many state governments are broke. With a smaller number of elections, their finances could be in better shape.

'One Nation, One Election' (ONOE)

"''One Nation, One Election Analyzing the Impact on Indian Polity''", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.10, Issue 9, page no.g245-g255, September-2023, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2309645.pdf

"''One Nation, One Election Analyzing the Impact on Indian Polity''", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.10, Issue 9, page no. ppg245-g255, September-2023, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2309645.pdf