The Election Commission of India has informed a parliamentary panel that it is prepared to conduct simultaneous Lok Sabha and state assembly elections, provided it receives at least six months' advance notice. This update was shared by P.P. Chaudhary, the chairman of the Joint Committee of Parliament, following recent consultations. The proposal, often referred to as 'One Nation One Election,' aims to synchronize the electoral cycles across the country to streamline the voting process.
Under the current system, elections for the national parliament and various state legislatures occur at different times, often leading to a near-constant state of campaigning. The Election Commission indicated that if the necessary legislation is passed by Parliament in 2028, it would be operationally feasible to begin implementing this synchronized schedule starting with the 2029 general elections. This shift would represent a significant change in how India manages its democratic exercises.
Proponents of the plan suggest that simultaneous elections could reduce the massive expenditure associated with holding frequent polls and minimize the disruption caused by the Model Code of Conduct. When the code is in force, it often restricts the government from announcing new welfare schemes or development projects, which officials argue can stall administrative progress. By consolidating these events, the government hopes to ensure more consistent governance and focus on long-term policy implementation.
While the technical feasibility is being assessed, the proposal requires constitutional amendments to align the terms of various state assemblies with the national electoral cycle. The parliamentary committee is currently reviewing these legal requirements and gathering feedback from various stakeholders, including constitutional experts and civil society members. The committee's final recommendations will be crucial in determining the path forward for this major electoral reform.