Voices From The Ground: A Qualitative Study Of Citizen Views On “One Nation, One Election”

Vikas Deep Verma, Research Scholar, Faculty of Law, University of Lucknow, Lucknow

ABSTRACT

The "One Nation, One Election" (ONOE) concept, aiming to synchronize Indian Parliamentary and State Assembly elections, has sparked significant debate and discussion. The historical context of ONOE traces back to India's early years of Independence, with the first simultaneous elections held in 1951–1952. However, this practice was discontinued in 1967–1968. It regained prominence in the 1980s and received various committees and policymaker's endorsements. ONOE presents potential benefits, including electoral process streamlining, cost reduction, and enabling elected officials to focus on Governance. It also seeks to optimize security force deployment and minimize disruptions from frequent elections. Nevertheless, the proposal faces substantial challenges. Critics argue it may undermine federalism, overshadow regional interests, and pose logistical and Constitutional hurdles. Amendments to the legal framework and consensus among States are prerequisites for implementation. Concerns also exist regarding voter fatigue, National issues dominance, and smaller parties viability. To understand the grassroots perspectives on ONOE, a qualitative study gathered public opinions and suggestions through a questionnaire and received responses from 152 participants. Some participants viewed ONOE positively, emphasizing streamlined elections and reduced political costs. Conversely, others raised concerns about regional representation erosion, limited awareness, and feasibility issues in India's complex political landscape. These findings highlight the importance of considering citizen perspectives in electoral reforms. Implementing ONOE would necessitate Constitutional Amendments, State consensus, and robust logistical planning. The study underscores the necessity for enhanced public awareness and education regarding ONOE's implications while preserving regional representation and federalism. Thus, ONOE presents both advantages and challenges, emphasizing the need for comprehensive analysis and public discourse.

Keywords: One Nation, One Election, Federalism, Election, Democracy, Administration