The report of the high-level committee led by former President Ram Nath Kovind on ‘one nation, one election’ was placed before the Union Cabinet.
In his Independence Day address last month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a compelling case for ‘one nation, one election,’ emphasizing that frequent elections were slowing down the country’s development.
As Modi 3.0 completes 100 days in office, Home Minister Amit Shah had also said on Tuesday that the One Nation One Election will be implemented in their third term.
Meanwhile, the Law Commission, on its part, is expected to propose synchronized polls across all three levels of government – Lok Sabha, state assemblies, and local bodies such as municipalities and panchayats – by 2029. They are also considering a provision for unity governments in cases of hung houses or no-confidence motions.
One Nation One Election: What was suggested in Ram Nath Kovind’s report?
Simultaneous Polls: The committee recommended simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and state Assemblies as the first step, followed by synchronised local body elections within 100 days.Implementation Group: Proposed the establishment of an ‘Implementation Group’ to oversee the execution of these recommendations.Benefits of Simultaneous Polls: Expected to save resources, boost development, promote social cohesion, and strengthen democratic values, contributing to the vision of “India, that is Bharat.”
Common Electoral Roll and Voter ID: The Election Commission of India (ECI) to prepare a common electoral roll and single voter ID cards in consultation with state election authorities.
Constitutional Amendments: Recommended 18 constitutional amendments, most not requiring state Assembly ratification but needing parliamentary approval through Constitution amendment Bills.
State Ratification Requirement: Certain proposed changes like the common electoral roll and voter ID would need ratification by at least half of the states.
