One Nation, One Election: A Test Of Feasibility
- IJLLR Journal
- Oct 23
- 1 min read
Adv. Rari Prakash, BA. LLB, LLM, Advocate, Kollam Bar Association.
ABSTRACT
The proposal of One Nation, One Election (ONOE) a synchronized electoral system for the Lok Sabha, State Assemblies, and local bodies represents one of the most debated constitutional reforms in India’s recent history. Advocates claim that it could reduce electoral expenditure, enhance administrative efficiency, and stabilize governance by minimizing disruptions caused by frequent elections. Critics, however, caution that ONOE poses profound constitutional, federal, and democratic challenges, potentially undermining the autonomy of states and the foundational principle of representative government. This paper examines the historical evolution of India’s electoral framework, analyses the constitutional and legal implications of implementing ONOE, and evaluates its advantages and drawbacks in light of India’s federal character. Drawing upon judicial precedents, law commission reports, and comparative international models, the study aims to determine whether ONOE is a constitutionally feasible and democratically sustainable reform for India’s governance structure. The paper concludes that while ONOE offers practical efficiency, its adoption requires delicate constitutional balancing to preserve India’s federal and democratic integrity.
Keywords: One Nation One Election, Electoral Reform, Federalism, Constitutional Amendment, Democracy, Governance, India.
