#278: One Nation One Election
#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?🤯
Pros, Cons, Challenges, Way Forward!
Learn everything🧵↓
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? 👇🏻
Pros
• Cost Efficiency: ₹12k cr potential savings
• Political Stability
Frequent cycles of election leave Govt. in consistent election mode impacting governance
• Voter Turnout & Engagement
Reduced voter fatigue → (presumed) higher turnout
• Development Focus
Lesser disruptions due to Model Code of Conduct leaving more room to focus on policy & development
• Admin Efficiency
Election Commission, Police etc. to be utilized more efficiently w/o recurring need for election duty
Cons
• Diminishing Federalism
Potential undermining of federal structure w/ national issues overshadowing regional
• Electoral Advantage
(Presumed) Skewed political power in favor of parties w/ nationwide reach
• Constitutional Challenges
Significant amendments needed in areas of assembly dissolution, term adjustments alongside RPA 1950/1951 amendments
• Loss of Accountability
Frequent elections hold parties responsible; ONOE might lead to potential governance & corruption issues
• Practical Implementation
- High logistic cost w/ states of varied political climate
- Unexpected govt. dissolution process need a relook!
Way Forward
As per HLC,
• Implement in 2 phases
• Constitute Implementation gap
• Common electoral roll for all elections
• Initiate detailed discussion across the country
• 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! :))