JPC on Simultaneous Election Bill

Syllabus: GS2/Polity and Governance

Context

• The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on ‘One Nation, One Election’ has said that simultaneous elections can save nearly 7 lakh crore rupees, improve governance efficiency and increase India’s GDP growth by up to 1.6%.

Background

• To introduce simultaneous elections, the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Amendment) Bill, 2024 and the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024 were introduced in Lok Sabha in 2024.
  • The Bills provide for synchronising the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections by curtailing the terms of state assemblies that are elected after a particular Lok Sabha to end with the term of that Lok Sabha. 
  • Once the terms of the legislatures align, the next general election will be held simultaneously.
• The bills were referred to the Joint Parliamentary Committee, the JPC has not shared its recommendations yet.

Key Features of the Bills

• Bodies Responsible: The Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill, 2024 empowers the Election Commission to conduct elections for Lok Sabha and all State Assemblies together (referred to as simultaneous elections).
  • The Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024 extends this framework to Union Territory (UT) Assemblies. 
• Commencement of simultaneous elections: The terms of all State and Union Territory Assemblies constituted after the date of the notification will expire with the expiry of the full term of Lok Sabha.  Hence, elections to Lok Sabha and all State and UT Assemblies thereafter will be conducted together. 
• Premature dissolution of Lok Sabha or Assemblies: If Lok Sabha or a State/UT Assembly is dissolved sooner than its full term of five years, a fresh election will be held for a term equal to the remainder of the five-year term.
  • This will synchronise elections for Lok Sabha and all Assemblies every five years.
• Deferring a state election: If the Election Commission is of the opinion that the election for a particular State Assembly cannot be held as part of the simultaneous elections, it may make a recommendation to the President in this regard.
  • Thereafter, the President may issue an order to conduct election for that State Assembly at a later date. 
  • The UT Laws Amendment Bill does not have such provisions.

What are Simultaneous Elections?

• Simultaneous Elections (One Nation One Election) refer to the idea of holding Lok Sabha and State legislative assembly elections together, with the aim of reducing the frequency of elections and their associated costs.
• Simultaneous elections in India to the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies were held in the years 1951-52, 1957, 1962 and 1967. 
• Thereafter, the schedule could not be maintained and the elections to the Lok Sabha and the State legislative assembly have still not been realigned.

Arguments In Favour of One Nation One Election

• Reduced Expenditure: It will reduce the huge expenditure incurred for conducting separate elections every year.
• Streamlined Process: Managing one election cycle is logistically simpler than conducting multiple elections at different times. This can lead to more efficient use of administrative resources.
• The problem of frequent elections leads to imposition of Model Code of Conduct (MCC) over prolonged periods of time which affects the normal governance. Simultaneous elections can overcome such issues.
• The focus on governance will increase, instead of being constantly in election mode.
• Direct Accountability: With simultaneous elections, voters can hold parties accountable for both central and state governance at the same time, making it clearer how local and national policies impact their lives.
• Strengthens Cooperative Federalism: A harmonised electoral calendar encourages coordination between the Union and States, ensuring policy stability and reducing political friction from perpetual campaign cycles.

Arguments Against One Nation One Election

• Logistical Challenges: All states and the central government face massive logistical challenges including coordinating the schedules, resources etc.
• Local Priorities: It may help the dominant national party at the cost of regional parties and regions issues can be overshadowed by the national issues.
• Complex Reforms Needed: Implementing simultaneous elections would require significant constitutional amendments and changes to existing electoral laws, posing legal complexities.
• Federalism & State Autonomy: Synchronising terms effectively curtails or extends the tenure of State Assemblies, which undermines the constitutional autonomy of states.

Way Ahead

• Synchronized polls for all 3 tiers of government will improve governance architecture. It will enhance “transparency, inclusivity, ease and confidence of voters.
• The law commission is likely to recommend holding simultaneous polls for all three tiers of the government – the Lok Sabha, state assemblies and local bodies like municipalities and panchayats – starting 2029.

Source: AIR