QUES . Examine the need for electoral reforms as suggested by various committees with particular reference to “one nation – one election” principle. UPSC MAINS 2024 GS PAPER 2
HINTS:
In a democratic country elections are the integral part of political set up and hence free and fare elections are mandatory for the success of democracy. Many obstacles may come during the election process and to remove these obstacles we require changes or improvements in the electoral system.
Must read: One Nation, One Election : a Critical Analysis
Electoral reforms refer to the changes or improvements made to the electoral process to ensure the integrity and transparency of the electoral system. These reforms are necessary to maintain the credibility of the electoral process and to ensure that every vote counts.
Must read: How the Election Commission of India ensures smooth conduct of elections?
Why there is a Need for Electoral Reforms?
֍Encouraging transparency and accountability.
֍Ensuring free and fair elections.
֍Reducing the influence of money and muscle power.
֍Addressing electoral inequalities.
֍Enhancing voter participation
Must read: Role of media in elections
Electoral Reforms as Suggested by Various Committees
֍Tarkunde Committee (1975): Suggested proportional representation and state funding of elections.
֍Dinesh Goswami Committee (1990): Recommended limits on election expenses, voter IDs, and transparent political funding.
֍Vohra Committee (1993): Explored criminalization in politics.
֍Indrajit Gupta Committee (1998): Advocated for state funding of elections.
֍Law Commission (170th Report, 1999): Advocated for simultaneous elections to enhance governance stability and reduce disruptions from frequent polls.
֍Administrative Reforms Commission (4th Report, 2008): Focused on electoral reforms to curb criminalization and improve transparency.
Must read: Postponement of Assembly or Parliamentary elections
“One nation – one election”
One nation-one election principle, which seeks to synchronize Lok Sabha and state assembly elections, aims to decrease the frequency of elections and streamline the electoral process, thereby improving efficiency and reducing costs.
Must read: One Nation, One Election : a Critical Analysis
Committees and Commissions which advocated for “One nation – one election”
֍In 1999, the Law Commission of India headed by Justice B. P. Jeevan Reddy advocated for simultaneous elections.
֍In 2018, the Law Commission of India (LCI) released a draft report on simultaneous elections and recommended three alternatives to synchronise elections in India.
֍Ram Nath Covind Panel (2023) suggested amendments including insertion of a new Article 82A and Amendment of Article 327.
Potential benefits of “One nation – one election”
֍Significant reduction in electoral expenses. Simultaneous elections lower the financial burden on the government and political parties by avoiding multiple election cycles.
֍Due to frequent model code of conduct implementations, development works are delayed for months and policy paralysis occurs. Fewer elections will limit model code of conduct duration and expedite the developmental works.
֍Governments at the union and states often announce short-term policies keeping in mind the frequent elections. Simultaneous polls would encourage long-term policy-making. This will enhance governance, continuity and administrative efficiency.
֍Potentially higher voter turnout by reducing election fatigue. It will be more easy for people to cast many ballots at once.
Challenges and criticisms of “One nation – one election”
֍Requires substantial constitutional amendments.
֍Logistical Challenges such as the availability of electronic voting machines, personnel, and other resources.
֍Potential threat to the federal structure and regional autonomy.
֍Synchronization issues if governments fall mid-term.
֍If elections are held simultaneously, there’s a likelihood of voters favoring the same political party or alliance for both state assemblies and the Lok Sabha, thus national issues could overshadow local concerns.
֍A national party dominating the Lok Sabha elections could also sweep the state assembly elections, resulting in a lack of checks and balances on the ruling regime’s powers.
֍It limits voters’ ability to hold governments accountable regularly, as they get fewer opportunities to express discontent with the ruling party’s performance.
Conclusion
Electoral reforms, particularly “One Nation, One Election” can streamline the electoral process, reduce costs, and ensure smoother governance. However, such reforms also come with significant challenges—logistical, legal, and constitutional. Balancing these reforms with the practicalities of a complex and diverse nation remains a crucial challenge.
