One Nation, One Election – A Constitutional Conundrum

Abstract

Pure democracies, like India, have a very ancient history of voting rituals and elections. It is through elections that people exercise their power to choose or change their leaders. Elections should be held at regular intervals. Several concerns were raised regarding the feasibility and implementation of the “One Nation, One Election” concept after its initial ideological proposal. The committee, chaired by Shri Ramnath Kovind, recommended holding simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies, with Municipal and Panchayat elections planned to take place within 100 days of the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assembly elections. This paper attempts to inquire into the constitutional realm of the intention of constitution-makers approving or disapproving the simultaneous elections for Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies. Thus, this paper vehemently
seeks to explore various perspectives and risks involved with the implementation of One Nation, One Election formula in the country’s polity as per constitutional and legal means. This study aims to evaluate the feasibility and impact of implementing the One Nation, One Election idea, while also examining the advantages and challenges of conducting simultaneous elections at all levels of government. It looks at the potential effects on democratic principles, political parties, and voter behavior. The research further examines the legal and constitutional aspects of the initiative and considers the practical challenges involved in its execution, such as coordinating election schedules and efficiently allocating resources. The results of this study provide important insights into the possible benefits and drawbacks of One Nation, One Election, and offer recommendations for policymakers and stakeholders to consider when assessing its legal and social viability.