Indian democracy is renowned for its vibrant electoral process, which is complemented by frequent elections at the national, state, and local levels. Now, a bold reform proposal aims to streamline this: One Nation, One Election.
The idea? Hold simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha (Parliament) and all State Legislative Assemblies, possibly even panchayats and municipalities.
The central question remains: Is this reform possible by 2025?
Let’s unpack the concept, examine its pros and cons, and assess whether India can realistically implement it within the next year.
📜 What Is 'One Nation, One Election'?
“One Nation, One Election” refers to the simultaneous conduct of elections across the country for:
Lok Sabha (the Lower House of Parliament)
State Legislative Assemblies
Possibly local bodies (Panchayati Raj institutions and Municipalities)
Currently, India holds elections throughout the year, based on when each state assembly’s term ends. This leads to constant campaigning, high costs, and frequent imposition of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC), which delays policy decisions.
🧠 The Idea Behind the Reform
The logic driving One Nation, One Election is to:
Reduce expenditure on repeated elections
Minimise governance disruption
Allow more time for policy implementation
Limit the use of caste/religion-based polarisation during continuous campaigning
This is not a new idea. It was the norm in India until 1967. But due to the early dissolution of assemblies and political instability, election cycles diverged.
Now, the central government—especially under the Modi-led NDA—is pushing to revive this model.
📋 Benefits of One Nation, One Election
1. 💸 Cost Efficiency
Elections are expensive. According to Election Commission data, the 2019 Lok Sabha elections cost over ₹ 60,000 crore (combined public and private spending). Multiple state elections every year multiply the cost.
Simultaneous polls could significantly reduce election spending.
2. 🏛️ Better Governance
With elections occurring almost every quarter, governments remain in a state of permanent campaign mode. The Model Code of Conduct halts policy announcements and new projects.
A synchronised cycle allows governments to focus on development, not just elections.
3. 📉 Reduced Voter Fatigue
Frequent elections can exhaust voters. A single, nationwide election could improve voter turnout, reduce confusion, and simplify electoral logistics.
4. 🧠 Unified National and Regional Agenda
Simultaneous elections may help align national and state-level priorities, encouraging greater collaboration between the Centre and the States.
⚠️ Criticisms and Challenges
Despite its potential, the proposal has many critics and constitutional hurdles.
1. 📜 Constitutional Amendments Required
Multiple amendments to the Constitution (Articles 83, 85, 172, 174, etc.) would be needed to:
Fix the terms of state legislatures
Empower Parliament to extend or curtail state assemblies’ tenures
Change existing laws like the Representation of the People Act, 1951
This requires a two-thirds majority in both Houses and ratification by at least half the states.
2. 🏛️ Undermines Federalism
Critics argue it centralises power, weakens regional parties, and prioritises national narratives over local issues.
If national and state elections are merged, voters may ignore state-level governance, voting for the same party across levels, often benefiting larger national parties.
3. ⚖️ Practical Imbalance
If a state assembly is dissolved mid-term (due to political instability), should the entire country go to the polls again? Or will that state have to wait?
Synchronising timelines is difficult unless fixed terms and safeguards are introduced.
4. 🗳️ Voter Behaviour Distortion
Studies show that when elections are held together, voters tend to choose the same party for both national and state polls, even if their needs are different.
This can distort democratic representation.
📆 What Has Been Done So Far?
The push for simultaneous elections has been actively discussed since 2016:
Law Commission of India (2018): Recommended phased implementation and major legal amendments
NITI Aayog: Published a working paper outlining the benefits
Standing Committees of Parliament: Supported the idea with detailed recommendations
President’s Speech (2022): Reiterated the need for “One Nation, One Election”
High-Level Committee (2023–2024): Led by former President Ram Nath Kovind, formed to examine the feasibility
As of mid-2025, the Kovind Committee’s report is awaited, and parliamentary discussions are ongoing.
🧭 Could It Happen by 2025?
Let’s assess the realistic path forward.
To implement it by 2025, India would need to:
Amend the Constitution—requiring cross-party support and state ratification
Synchronise terms of all state assemblies and Lok Sabha—possibly requiring early dissolution or extension
Overhaul election logistics—from EVM supply to voter roll management
Reform existing laws on election conduct, code of conduct, and funding
This is an enormous political and legal task, and with elections already scheduled in key states in late 2025, it’s unlikely that the full transition will happen by then.
However, a phased or pilot approach—starting with a few states—could begin before 2025.
🔮 What's the Alternative?
If full implementation isn’t possible, experts have suggested:
Holding Lok Sabha and some State polls together, then aligning others gradually
Two-phase model: Hold elections in two broad cycles (e.g., every 2.5 years)
Fixed-term assemblies: No early dissolution except under exceptional conditions
These middle paths could preserve federalism while reaping some benefits of simultaneous elections.
✅ Final Thoughts: A Bold Idea, But Not Overnight
“One Nation, One Election” is a transformative electoral reform, but also one that requires consensus, constitutional change, and clear safeguards.
It promises efficiency and cost savings, but risks reducing state-specific political space.
As Indian voters, we must ask: Will this make our democracy stronger—or just more centralized?
So, will it happen by 2025?
Probably not fully, but the groundwork is being laid. 2025 may mark the beginning—not the end—of this electoral shift.
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