A high-level committee on simultaneous elections, led by former President Ram Nath Kovind, has laid the groundwork for a transformative shift in India’s electoral process. As India aspires to streamline governance and optimise its democratic processes, the concept of 'One Nation, One Election' has emerged as a key reform requiring thoughtful deliberation and consensus.

 

By aligning the election cycles of the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies, the committee’s recommendations promise to address long-standing challenges associated with frequent elections, such as governance disruptions and resource wastage.

 

The proposed phased approach to implementing simultaneous elections, along with constitutional amendments, could pave the way for a more efficient and stable electoral environment in India. With widespread public and political support, the concept of simultaneous elections stands poised to streamline India’s democratic processes and bolster the efficiency of governance.

 

India’s democratic framework thrives on the vibrancy of its electoral process, enabling citizens to actively shape governance at every level. Since Independence, over 400 elections to the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies have showcased the Election Commission of India’s commitment to fairness and transparency.

 

However, the fragmented and frequent nature of elections has sparked discussions on the need for a more efficient system. This has led to the resurgence of interest in the concept of "One Nation, One Election."

 

The idea, also known as simultaneous elections, proposes aligning the election cycles of the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies. This would allow voters to cast their ballots for both tiers of government on the same day in their constituencies, though voting could still occur in phases across the country. By synchronising these electoral timelines, the approach aims to address logistical challenges, reduce costs, and minimise disruptions caused by frequent elections.

 

The committee's report released in 2024, provides a comprehensive roadmap for implementing this vision. The recommendations were accepted by the Union Cabinet on September 18, 2024, marking a significant step towards electoral reform.

 

Proponents argue that such a system could enhance administrative efficiency, reduce election-related expenditures, and promote policy continuity.

 

The concept of simultaneous elections is not a new idea in India. Following the adoption of the Constitution, elections to the Lok Sabha and all State Legislative Assemblies were conducted simultaneously from 1951 to 1967. The first general elections to the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies were held together in 1951-52, a practice that continued for three subsequent general elections in 1957, 1962, and 1967.

 

However, this cycle of synchronised elections was disrupted in 1968 and 1969 due to the premature dissolution of some State Legislative Assemblies. The Fourth Lok Sabha was also dissolved prematurely in 1970, with fresh elections held in 1971.

 

Unlike the First, Second, and Third Lok Sabha, which completed their full five-year terms, the Fifth Lok Sabha's term was extended until 1977 under Article 352 because of the declaration of Emergency. Since then, only a few Lok Sabha terms have lasted the full five years, such as the Eighth, Tenth, Fourteenth, and Fifteenth. Others, including the Sixth, Seventh, Ninth, Eleventh, Twelfth, and Thirteenth, were dissolved early.

 

State Assemblies have faced similar disruptions over the years. Premature dissolutions and term extensions have become a recurring challenge. These developments have firmly disrupted the cycle of simultaneous elections, leading to the current pattern of staggered electoral schedules across the country.

 

Against this backdrop, the high-level committee on simultaneous elections was constituted by the Government of India on September 2, 2023. Its primary objective was to explore the feasibility of conducting simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies.

 

The committee solicited extensive public and political feedback, and consulted experts to analyse the potential benefits and challenges associated with this proposed electoral reform. Its report presents a detailed overview of the committee’s findings, its recommendations for constitutional amendments, and the anticipated impact of simultaneous elections on governance, resources, and public sentiment.