The Indian government, under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, has called a special session of Parliament, sparking discussions about the possibility of implementing the ‘One Nation One Election’ system. This concept, which involves holding all elections simultaneously, is not unique to India and has been adopted by several countries worldwide.
Debate in India
The agenda for the special session of Parliament remains undisclosed, leading to various speculations. One major speculation is that the Central Government plans to introduce a bill proposing ‘One Nation One Election.’ This idea has both supporters and opponents within India, each presenting their arguments regarding its advantages and disadvantages.
Government’s Perspective
Supporters of the government argue that conducting elections at different times leads to increased expenditure and logistical challenges. They contend that holding Lok Sabha and Assembly elections concurrently would address these issues. Prime Minister Modi himself has endorsed this idea, potentially paving the way for the introduction of a bill in Parliament.
Countries Adopting ‘One Nation One Election’
Several countries around the world have already embraced the ‘One Nation One Election’ approach. In these nations, elections occur only once, streamlining the electoral process. Some of these countries include Germany, Hungary, South Africa, Indonesia, Spain, Slovenia, Albania, Poland, and Belgium. Sweden also recently conducted simultaneous elections, joining the growing list of nations employing this system.
Historical Perspective in India
It’s important to note that India previously operated under the ‘One Nation One Election’ system. In the early years after independence, four consecutive elections in 1952, 1957, 1962, and 1967 synchronized Lok Sabha and Assembly elections. However, this practice ceased due to various factors, including the dissolution of some state assemblies.
