Kovind Committee submits a 'blueprint' for 'one nation, one election'

A High-Level Committee, spearheaded by former President Ram Nath Kovind, has submitted a recommendation to the Union government advocating for simultaneous elections across India, commonly called 'one nation, one election'.

This proposal aims to ensure that elections for the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies are held simultaneously across the country. The committee's key recommendation involves the introduction of a "one-time transitory measure" aimed at synchronizing the electoral cycles of both central and state governments.

Under this proposal, an "appointed date" would be identified immediately after the conclusion of a Lok Sabha election, marking the expiration of terms for all state assemblies going to polls thereafter. This initiative, according to the panel, aims to streamline the electoral process, paving the way for simultaneous elections at both the national and state levels.

According to sources familiar with the matter, the proposed timeline suggests that the first simultaneous elections could be held as early as 2029, provided the new government swiftly initiates the process following the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.

This transition period would witness the expiration of terms for several state assemblies alongside the 18th Lok Sabha, ensuring synchronicity in electoral cycles across the country.

Major states such as West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Chhattisgarh, and Telangana, among others, would see their terms align with the 18th Lok Sabha in 2029, as part of this monumental synchronization effort.

While some state assemblies may experience terms of less than five years as a one-time measure, the overarching goal remains to establish a cohesive electoral framework conducive to effective governance.

To mitigate the risk of disruption to synchronicity due to unforeseen circumstances such as premature dissolution or no-confidence motions, the committee has proposed conducting fresh elections only for the remainder of the term until the next cycle of simultaneous polls is due.

In addition to synchronizing elections at the central and state levels, the committee has recommended amendments to the Constitution to facilitate the preparation of a single electoral roll and Elector's Photo Identity Card (EPIC) by the Election Commission of India in consultation with the State Election Commissions.

Furthermore, the introduction of Article 324A has been proposed to enable simultaneous elections for municipalities and panchayats alongside general elections, underscoring the importance of holistic electoral reform.

The report emphasizes the significance of certainty in decision-making processes central to good governance, highlighting the imperative role of synchronized elections in fostering faster development and policy coherence. By forging an improved architecture of governance encompassing all three tiers of government – the House of the People, State Legislative Assemblies, Municipalities, and Panchayats.

Comprising Home Minister Amit Shah, former Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad, and senior advocate Harish Salve, among others, the committee deliberated extensively on various options for ensuring the continuity of simultaneous elections.

While alternative models such as the German constructive vote of no-confidence were considered, the committee ultimately deemed them incompatible with the fundamental principles of Indian democracy, underscoring the meticulous approach taken in formulating its recommendations.

The committee's comprehensive blueprint for simultaneous elections represents a transformative endeavour poised to redefine India's electoral landscape, ushering in an era of greater governance efficiency, stability, and democratic integrity.