Former President Ram Nath Kovind’s committee on ‘One Nation, One Election’ has called upon the public to share their suggestions for potential changes in the existing legal administrative framework, enabling simultaneous elections across the country. The committee, established in September last year, aims to consider these suggestions to facilitate synchronized elections in India. The deadline for submitting suggestions is January 15, and inputs can be provided through the committee’s website onoe.gov.in or via email at sc-hlc@gov.in.
Having conducted two meetings since its formation, the committee recently reached out to political parties, including national parties, 33 state parties, and seven registered unrecognised parties, seeking their views on the proposal for holding simultaneous elections at both the Lok Sabha and assembly levels, along with other polls. The committee also reminded the parties of their initial request for interaction on a mutually agreed date.
The panel, headed by Ram Nath Kovind, has been actively engaging with various stakeholders, including the Law Commission, to gather insights on the feasibility and implications of holding simultaneous elections. The law panel may be consulted further on this matter.
The terms of reference for the committee involve examining and recommending measures for simultaneous elections to Lok Sabha, State Legislative Assemblies, Municipalities, and Panchayats while considering the existing constitutional framework.
The idea of ‘One Nation, One Election’ has been advocated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi since his first term in 2014. The rationale behind this proposal is to minimize the adverse impact on development caused by Model Code of Conduct (MCC) restrictions and the depletion of resources due to frequent elections. However, the government emphasizes the need for consensus among all political parties and seeks public opinion before making a decision, acknowledging the sensitivity of the issue.
The public’s involvement in shaping the future of simultaneous elections reflects the democratic spirit of the nation. As India grapples with the complexities of implementing such a substantial electoral reform, the inputs received will play a crucial role in determining the feasibility and acceptance of ‘One Nation, One Election’ in the country’s political landscape.