#278: One Nation One Election
Pros, Cons, Challenges, Way Forward and all that you need to know!
Cabinet approved ONOE!
What is it? What all does it entail?๐คฏ
Pros, Cons, Challenges, Way Forward!
Learn everything๐งตโ
What's it?
Synchronizing all elections in India
From Lok Sabha to Panchayat, all of it to happen in two phases
(as per cabinet approval, see image)
GoI formed a High Level Committee (HLC)
..chaired by Sh. Ram Nath Kovind
Result? ๐๐ป
Pros
โข Cost Efficiency: โน12k cr potential savings
โข Political Stability
Frequent cycles of election leave Govt. in consistent election mode impacting governance
โข Voter Turnout & Engagement
Reduced voter fatigue โ (presumed) higher turnout
โข Development Focus
Lesser disruptions due to Model Code of Conduct leaving more room to focus on policy & development
โข Admin Efficiency
Election Commission, Police etc. to be utilized more efficiently w/o recurring need for election duty
Cons
โข Diminishing Federalism
Potential undermining of federal structure w/ national issues overshadowing regional
โข Electoral Advantage
(Presumed) Skewed political power in favor of parties w/ nationwide reach
โข Constitutional Challenges
Significant amendments needed in areas of assembly dissolution, term adjustments alongside RPA 1950/1951 amendments
โข Loss of Accountability
Frequent elections hold parties responsible; ONOE might lead to potential governance & corruption issues
โข Practical Implementation
- High logistic cost w/ states of varied political climate
- Unexpected govt. dissolution process need a relook!
Way Forward
As per HLC,
โข Implement in 2 phases
โข Constitute Implementation gap
โข Common electoral roll for all elections
โข Initiate detailed discussion across the country
โข 1st: LS/VS & 2nd: Municipality/Panchayat (2nd within 100 days of the 1st)
CSEWhy speaks:
ONOE type set up is seen in:
South Africa, Sweden & UK
It is an idea with right intent but high logistical, constitutional & implementation challenges
What next?
Forward this email to a friend who is also preparing for UPSC for good karma! :))