Introduction To One Nation, One Election: Navigating The Legal And Constitutional Implications
- IJLLR Journal
- Apr 13
- 2 min read
Satvik Grover, Auro University (Surat)
ABSTRACT
The “One Nation One Election” (ONOE) initiative aims to synchronize the voting dates between the Lok Sabha and state legislative assembly elections to conduct national elections at once. The proposed project aims at reducing electoral cost while protecting governance continuity and boosting voter participation and stabilizing political systems. During the period before 1967 India conducted multiple elections in parallel but regional parties emerged as a new political force to interrupt this practice. The Law Commission of India together with NITI Aayog now recognize ONOE as a potential tool to boost governance alongside administrative efficiency. In 2019 two legislative bills introduced the Constitution (Amendment) Bill as well as Representation of the People (Amendment) Bill which aimed to establish ONOE through modifications to Article 83 and Article 172 of the Indian Constitution while establishing a standard electoral framework. Notwithstanding its benefits, ONOE encounters considerable legal, constitutional, and practical obstacles. To amend the constitution a substantial political agreement is required among various states and factions who represent them.The implementation of large-scale election activities across India faces logistical hurdles which require coordinated control of election officials combined with electronic voting machines (EVMs) and numerous resources covering the extensive geographical area. The implementation of ONOE faces criticism because it makes power consolidated while weakening India's established federal model of governing its states. Comparative research into electoral methods of the United States and the United Kingdom demonstrates how centralized and decentralized voting systems operate. ONOE represents a crucial revolutionary change in India's electoral system yet its execution needs precise constitutional revisions and extensive logistical preparations which should aim to blend administrative efficiency with pure democratic principles.
Keywords: One Nation One Election, Simultaneous Elections, Electoral Reforms, Voter Participation, Comparative Analysis, Challenges
