One Nation, One Election' Gains Momentum with Cabinet Approval

The Union Cabinet, led by the Prime Minister, has approved the recommendations from a High-Level Committee to implement simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha, State Legislative Assemblies, and local bodies such as Panchayats and Municipalities. In March, the committee, chaired by former President Ram Nath Kovind, submitted its report supporting the "One Nation, One Election" concept. This committee, formed in September last year, included notable figures such as Home Minister Amit Shah, former Rajya Sabha Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad, former Finance Commission c hairman NK Singh, former Lok Sabha secretary-general Subhash C Kashyap, senior advocate Harish Salve, and former Chief Vigilance Commissioner Sanjay Kothari. The report highlighted the challenges posed by staggered elections to various stakeholders, including the government, businesses, political parties, workers, courts, candidates, and civil society. The committee suggested a phased approach to manage the transition. The first phase would involve holding simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies, followed by aligning local elections (Municipalities and Panchayats) within 100 days of the general elections. To facilitate this, the committee proposed adding Article 82A to the Constitution. This new article would ensure that State Assemblies formed after the appointed date of this amendment would have their terms end simultaneously with the Lok Sabha. For instance, if the amendment takes effect in June 2024, a state election held in 2027 would result in the Assembly’s term concluding in 2029 alongside the Lok Sabha. An Implementation Group was also recommended to oversee the execution of these changes. Regarding potential issues like a hung house or no-confidence motions, the committee suggested amendments to Articles 83 and 172. In cases where a government falls before its full term, fresh elections would be held, but the new government would only serve for the remainder of the term, not a full five-year period. For example, if a government collapses in its second year, the newly elected government would serve for just the remaining three years. Additionally, the committee proposed Article 324A, which would pave the way for simultaneous elections for local bodies. www.legalmeet.in