Big step towards simultaneous elections in India

‘One nation, one election’ may soon become a reality in India. Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal introduced the ‘Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill, 2024’ in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday. Soon after, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has suggested sending the bill to the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) for comprehensive discussion.

What is ‘One Nation, One Election’ Bill?

According to the bill, issued on the night of December 13, if the Lok Sabha or any state assembly is dissolved before the completion of its term, mid-term elections will be held only for the assembly whose term is remaining.

The following amendments are proposed in the Bill:

1. Article 82A: Provision for holding simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and all the Legislative Assemblies.
2. Articles 83, 172, and 327: Provide Parliament with the power to amend election related provisions.

The “Appointed Date” of the Bill will be announced by the President, which will be after the 2029 Lok Sabha elections. After this, the terms of the Lok Sabha and the Legislative Assemblies will end together.

simultaneous election plan

As per the government plan, One Nation, One Election will be implemented in two phases:

1. First phase: Lok Sabha and assembly elections will be held simultaneously.
2. Second phase: Local body elections will also be held within 100 days of the general elections.

There will be a common voter list for all elections, which will be prepared jointly by the Election Commission and the state election officer.

Kovind panel recommendations

Major recommendations of the committee formed under the leadership of former President Ramnath Kovind:

• Elections to state assemblies will be held on the same date after the 2029 Lok Sabha elections.
• The tenure of the state governments formed between 2024 and 2028 will be short.
• If the term of an assembly begins in 2025, it will run till 2029.
• In case of a hung House or a no-confidence motion, fresh elections can be held.

Proposed Constitutional Amendment

first constitutional amendment

• Article 82A: Provision for starting the process of simultaneous elections.

second constitutional amendment

• Article 324A: The Central Government will give the right to conduct municipal and panchayat elections along with Lok Sabha and assembly elections.

Role and approval of states

• The first amendment related to Lok Sabha and Assembly elections will not require the approval of the states.
• The second amendment would require the approval of at least half the states for local body elections.

implementation process

1. After both the bills are passed in Parliament, the assent of the President will be taken.
2. Once the law is enacted, the implementation group will implement these provisions.
3. Changes related to single voter list and voter ID card are also proposed.

Potential legal challenges

Experts believe that the ‘One Nation, One Election’ bill may face legal challenges. The argument is that this could affect the principle of federalism as it would impact the states’ autonomy and right to stable governance.