The recent One Nation One Election bill which has been passed in the Lok Sabha proposes to hold simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha, State legislative assemblies and local bodies across the country.
What needs to be memorised?
- The bill was previously analyzed by a high- powered committee chaired by former President Ram Nath Kovind.
- The initiative will be conducted in two phases – in the first phase, Loksabha and assembly elections will be held together and in the second phase, local body elections will be conducted within 100 days of general elections.
- India has witnessed simultaneous elections from 1951-52 to mid 1960s but the process came to a halt due to premature dissolution of a few state assemblies during that time period. Thus, the concept of simultaneous elections was a historical practice, not a constitutional mandate.
- Major concerns raised against this bill are regarding federalism, logistical challenges, democratic accountability and disadvantage for regional political parties.
Advantages
- Will help to reduce the frequency of elections and thereby save time and resources.
- Governments can concentrate on policy and administration without the distraction of repeated election cycles.
- Could streamline voter registration.
- Less pressure to announce populist measures, or freebies, to win voter support, leading to more stable financial management.
Source: The Hindu