The concept of simultaneous elections is not a new idea in India.
Following the adoption of the Constitution, elections to the Lok Sabha and all State Legislative Assemblies were conducted simultaneously from 1951 to 1967.
The first general elections to the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies were held together in 1951-52.
This practice that continued for three subsequent general elections in 1957, 1962, and 1967.
However, this cycle of synchronised elections was disrupted in 1968 and 1969 due to the premature dissolution of some State Legislative Assemblies.
The Fourth Lok Sabha was also dissolved prematurely in 1970, with fresh elections held in 1971.
The First, Second, and Third Lok Sabha completed their full five-year terms.
The Fifth Lok Sabha's term was extended until 1977 under Article 352 because of the declaration of Emergency.
Since then, only a few Lok Sabha terms have lasted the full five years, such as the Eighth, Tenth, Fourteenth, and Fifteenth.
Others, including the Sixth, Seventh, Ninth, Eleventh, Twelfth, and Thirteenth, were dissolved early.
Now, the proponents of 'opposing' the ONOE system may argue -- if the elections are held together, the regional parties may be deprived of a fighting chance. This may not be true.
In fact, this system will encourages a more "localized focus during elections", enabling regional parties to highlight their unique concerns and aspirations.
This setup fosters a political environment where local issues are not overshadowed by national election campaigns, thus preserving the relevance of regional voices.
Moreover, both the electorate and the leaders will be looking at who’s in power at the Centre !!
State Assemblies have faced similar disruptions over the years. Premature dissolutions and term extensions have become a recurring challenge. These developments have firmly disrupted the cycle of simultaneous elections, leading to the current pattern of staggered electoral schedules across the country.
This view can be easily countered not merely argument but by facts and figures.
* Indian voters do not divulge their minds.
** But they know how to decide and what to decide. In Delhi, the same voters for two sets of assembly polls had preferred the AAP but within months of differences; they had voted for the BJP in the Lok Sabha polls.
*** There is a need to understand what is in the largest interest of the nation. The moot point is the country is benefited by simultaneous elections.
There is also a need not to over emphasise what a set of political parties want.
By opting for elections in one year. It will be better because one can then strike a balance.
By the very nature of Indian polity; we have narrower methods of looking at things.
People may ask, what will Left parties do? Will Opposition parties like the DMK, Samajwadi Party or the Congress come on board?
The answer lies in the womb of time - that is future. Thus, mere speculation cannot be a determining factor to decide the course of polity India should adopt.
Essentially, we cannot predict what will happen in politics. Every party may change its position tomorrow.
The BJP may oppose the idea and the Congress may back it. This has happened with multiple issues in India since independence.
The Congress knows it will be benefit because as a national party, its vote share will increase manifold as against the smaller and regional parties.
But, its dilemma is just because the BJP is piloting such a law; we have to oppose it. The Congress has to grow beyond 'what will people say' perception battle !
The High-Level Committee on Simultaneous Elections, headed by former President Ram Nath Kovind, was constituted by the Government of India on 2nd September 2023.
The Committee received over 21,500 responses, with 80% in favour of simultaneous elections.
The responses came from all corners of the country, including Lakshadweep, Andaman and Nicobar, Nagaland, Dadra, and Nagar Haveli. The highest responses were received from Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala, West Bengal, Gujarat, and Uttar Pradesh.
As many as 47 political parties submitted their views.
Of these, 32 parties supported simultaneous elections, citing benefits like resource optimization and social harmony.
Fifteen (15) parties raised concerns about potential anti-democratic effects and marginalization of regional parties
Another argument that came in favour ONOE in course of formal and informal consultation is that ---
It will save money and manpower. It should also help education sector function smoothly.
As is known, during polls -- schools remain closed and teachers are engaged in non-teaching and poll work.
Even the administration is disturbed. IAS and IPS officers and other officials remains engaged for months in election duty.
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