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  • Category: Elections
    Points:5

      

    Why not we adopt the concept of 'One Nation - One election in single phase' ?

    Since 1951, India has been going for Lok Sabha polls for every 5 year term or a mid-term poll as the case may be and in multiple phases. Democracy had to be established slowly and elections were to be conducted very peacefully, we can understand the feasibility of conducting elections in different phases. But every term, it takes different directions and different number of phases as if the proposal is meant to benefit the ruling parties whichever may be in power. We are unable to streamline the process of election conduction in India to enable the ECI to conduct on one single day across India even after 75 years of Independence. Now, the Lok Sabha elections are in progress and we are in a confusion where the elections are going on. In the states of Telangana and Andhra, the process got completed in one day only where the twin states battle for curbing the Maoist activities in those prone areas while other states are going for polls in 2-3 phases.

    We are heading for the implementation of concept - 'One nation One election' in the due course, why not Lok Sabha election/State Assembly elections in a 'Single Phase'?
  • #779431

    Points:5
    The idea behind one nation one election policy is to streamline the election process in such a way that there is no influence of the ruling party whichever it is on the elections. It means that Lok Sabha and Assembly elections should be held together or within a reasonable period for all the states in our country. From logistics and other considerations it might look a tedious task but such measures are necessary if we want to build up an honest and powerful democracy in our country.
    The officials might give hundred reasons not to go for that but if it is forced from the top they would have to execute it.
    At present coincidentally there are a few states where Lok Sabha as well as Assembly elections are going on but that is just a coincidence and is not being done by design.
    Govt had constituted a high level committee for this and that committee has given its report for going for one nation one election policy.
    Only thing is now its implementation as there would be some teething troubles like synchronising the Assembly elections with Lok Sabha elections.
    The present Govt had promised to introduce one nation one election policy and let us see how it is going ahead in this direction.
    Knowledge is power.

  • #779433

    Points:5
    The author is interested in completing the entire election across the country in all the states on a single day. This should cover both electing MLAs as well as MPs. Presently only MP elections are going on and the elections are spread over 2 or 3 months. The result will come all in one stage. That means we are keeping some EVMs loaded with votes for more than two months. A lot of security is required and no malpractice should be allowed. It is very cumbersome and a common man may not have confidence and there is a chance for the ruling parties either in the centre or in the state to play fowl. To avoid all these tensions, all over India a single-day election is suggested. If it can be done in a single day, it will be good. But it is very tedious and enforcing security measures all over the country in a single stage may be a difficult proposition. Anyhow, if it can be organised chances of a fowl game will be less.
    What the government proposing is elections for MP and MLA together in all the states in different phases. Even that has not been completely implemented so far.
    drrao
    always confident

  • #779437

    Points:5
    I think 'One Nation One poll' is going to be a reality in a few years probably by 2029,if the present BJP led ruling alliance continues in power with a comfortable command-able majority.
    A High Level Committee to examine 'One Nation, One Election' proposal. is already formed under the Chairmanship of former President Sri. Ramnath Kovind. The committee has already started its sittings and meetings.
    While many political parties are agreeing for simultaneous elections, some parties are opposing too. Thy have their own justifications and logic for the same.

    But it will need a lot of awareness programme and public debates (on the need, benefits and constraints about the 'one nation-one poll')which only can remove the apprehensions and concerns.
    There are many changes needed in existing systems and procedures and much preparatory and updating needed for making 'One Nation-One Election' to be implemented.

    As it is natural that anything which is going to bring paradigm changes will be met with resistance. it is true in this case also. It may take some time to convince and get acceptance from the majority of stakeholders in this.
    But it has to and it is bound to be a practical reality within a few years.

  • #779467

    Points:4
    One nation, one election is a good concept as it removes many doubts from the election process as well as gives the results in minimum time.
    Only problem for this is the implementation. Most of the ideas get marred during the implementation. I think Govt machinery should be robust and efficient for undertaking such ambitious methods in election.
    Experts feel that if we can devise a sturdy and fake proof citizenship card then the whole election process can be completed in one day through online voting but the catch is that are our internet and server systems are so safe as to take up such schemes?
    So as the expert committee has already given a go ahead for the one nation, one election program, we have to see how the Govt is going to incorporate it in our highly populated country.
    Thoughts exchanged is knowledge gained.

  • #779641

      

    Points:5
    One nation, one election refers to conducting elections to the Parliament and to the State assemblies simultaneously. But I don't think it would be practical for the assembly elections due to governments in different states completing their tenures in different periods. A single-phase election would be a good proposition as far the elections to the Lok Sabha is concerned. We can have elections throughout the country on a single day.

    One nation, one election has been criticized as a danger to the federal system. The possibility of the party or coalition administering the center standing at an advantageous position as against the other parties in different states is something that cannot be overlooked, especially in the current situation prevailing in the country. Moreover, how is the process going to be regulated? Many Constitutional provisions will have to be amended. Making statements or proclaiming changes is easier said than done.

    The only possibility I see, is to declare an emergency in the country, dissolve all the existing governments and then conduct nationwide elections to the Parliament and to State Assemblies simultaneously. Would that be practical? Many hurdles will have to be crossed and it won't be as easy as is being propagated due to the severe political and social implications and the necessity of the changes to our Constitutional provisions.
    'Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all'.
    -Aristotle

  • #779642

    Points:4
    As mentioned by Saji, elections for Lok Sabha can be planned on a single day. But the issue is the big manpower required. In addition to the police forces available in each state, the Central police force also has to be on alert and they may have to be deputed to different places as required.
    Conducting elections for both Lok Sabha and Assembly elections at one time will help reduce expenditure for elections. Two times making all the arrangements is not required. Man power requirement will also reduce as both the votes can be cast on the same day. All state assemblies elected can be dissolved and elections can be conducted on the same day.
    drrao
    always confident

  • #779643

      

    Points:4
    Yes, some members got it rightly the point which I tried to put forth. Those leaders who are proposing One nation, one election' should also suggest for holding the Lok Sabha polls on a single day throughout the country or atleast in two or three phases. But the prolonged process of holding the election in 7 phases has become a cumbersome method and putting on hold the functioning of the Government due to code of conduct. My point is - when they can conduct Loksabha and Assembly elections on a single day in Andhra and Lok Sabha polls for Telangana on a single day, what makes the EC more difficult to hold the same on a single day for other states?
    Regards,
    Jagdish

  • #779648

    Points:5
    There may be manpower issues and logistic problems for holding the elections in the whole country in one go. But if there is a will there is a way. If Govt wants it to be done then it can be done even if it is a herculean task.
    I will go one step further by saying that in today's digital world why we cannot have a secured citizenship card and vote online? This will help to avoid all those illegal migrants and refugees from the voting list. The operation of that can be secured as our banking operations are secured by using special software applications and tools.
    Aadhar card was an effort like that in that direction but some people whose unaccounted money was to be unearthed by that process went to court against the linking of Aadhar to bank accounts and there was a lot of confrontation at that time between the money launderers and the Govt. But that is the old story. Now the present Govt is much strengthened and can do these radical changes in the system and carrying out all the voting on the same day would not be a distant dream.
    Thoughts exchanged is knowledge gained.

  • #779649

    Points:5
    It will be a good idea to conduct both the assembly polls and the parliamentary elections at a time. Though, it looks sound to hear but how far that will be effective needs to be seen. It requires a lot of manpower, EVM Machines and other officials to conduct the election procedure.
    Moreover, if the process is to take place in extremely hot weather such as the summer, care needs to be taken for the voters who approach the booths from far-flung places to cast their votes. We have seen how the voters manage themselves to be on the spot on such occasions.
    Taking every parameter into consideration such as drinkable water, shades for the voters, taking care of senior people and ensuring a peaceful environment within the premises is equally crucial.
    Though it sounds realistic idea, it will take some time before it is translated into reality.

  • #779651

      

    Points:5
    Dr Rao has, in his response at #779642, mentioned about dissolving state Assemblies with the same ease of saying about dissolving sugar in milk. Is it that easy to dissolve an elected Legislature which has a fixed tenure? I don't think so. There are laid down rules and procedures to dissolve a Legislature before it completes the term. Moreover, will any party who is in power in one or the other state and is yet to complete its tenure agree to such a proposal? I doubt, particularly due to the reason that elections to the state are considered to be an evaluation of the state governments and that to the Lok Sabha is considered to be an evaluation of the central administration. We cannot overrule the possibility of the party or coalition in the center hijacking the elections taking advantage of the confusing situation that may prevail.

    Jagdish, the Assembly and Lok Sabha elections were held simultaneously since the timing was perfect. It can be done so in other states too if the parliament elections are declared near to the dates when the state Assembly completes its term. It is easier for the parties, the officials and to the voters also.

    Neeru Bhatt's mention about secure identity cards to ensure that illegal immigrants do not get to vote is a point that has to be deliberated upon. By saying so, can we assume that she is casting a doubt on the voters list that is a document prepared and published by the Election Commission and also the officials who are detailed to check whether the voters are genuine? From what we see and observe around, let us accept the fact that for those who are adept in manipulating, digitalization makes no difference. We have read reports about duplicate Aadhar cards, voter's ID cards etc. as also about people being looted of their money by different means even when cash transactions have become limited these days. And let us also not forget bogus votes and manipulation of EVMs that had been reported during some earlier elections.

    When we are spending so much money on so many projects and programs and also administrative luxuries, some of which are practically impossible and are mere eye washers, I don't understand why we need to be so worried about the election expenditures? We want free and fair elections, and it will be possible only if the political parties, the officials and the voters take an oath to conduct it fairly despite all limitations.

    I am personally of the opinion that we should not club the state and center elections, particularly at a time when capturing power by any means has become the theme of elections. Let us not weaken the federal system that is vital to keep our Democracy intact.
    'Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all'.
    -Aristotle

  • #779652

    Points:5
    Saji, the process may not be easy. But if this one nation one election concept has to come into force means, the government should do all the required preparations like conducting an all-party representative meeting and also a meeting of CMs of all states and make out a procedure. Instead of explaining all this, I have mentioned it in one sentence. Even to dissolve sugar in water, some exercise is required like stirring in the glass with a spoon etc. Of course, that may be easy as you said.
    Each system will have its own merits and demerits. One should think of alternatives available and come out with an action plan by choosing the best of the lot process. How much tension and anxiety the government officers will undergo during the elections? That will become only once in 5 years instead of twice in 5 years. Anyhow, a lot of work is to be done to complete the process of conducting MP and MLA elections at the same time in only one phase in the entire country.
    drrao
    always confident


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