One Nation, One Election: The future of India’s democracy?

The debate around One Nation, One Election (ONOE) is back in focus. The Central Government tabled the bill in Parliament today, Tuesday, December 17. The committee, chaired by former President Ram Nath Kovind, proposed the plan, which led to heated discussions on how this ambitious proposal could reshape India’s electoral process.

India, the world’s largest democracy, currently holds elections multiple times a year — from Lok Sabha to state assemblies to local bodies. One Nation, One Election proposes synchronising all these elections into a single voting event across the country, once every five years.

The government argues that frequent elections disrupt governance, strain public funds, and burden voters. A unified election could ensure better policy focus and reduce the massive costs of repeated polls.

To align Lok Sabha and state assembly elections, constitutional changes are needed. Amendments to Articles 83, 85, 172, and 356 will be critical, along with consensus from political parties and state governments.

India had simultaneous elections until 1967, after which political instability and coalition governments led to staggered election cycles. Today, reviving this system poses logistical challenges on a much larger scale. Conducting a single election for over 900 million voters is no small feat!

Countries like South Africa, Sweden, and Indonesia hold synchronised elections, ensuring efficient governance. Can India follow suit?

Supporters say ONOE will reduce election fatigue, save taxpayer money, and allow governments to work without constant political interruptions. Critics, however, argue it could weaken India’s federal structure by centralising attention on national issues. The debate reflects a clash between efficiency and representation — and it’s far from over.