Spectrum Books - High-Level Committee Report on Simultaneous Elections

High-Level Committee Report on Simultaneous Elections

India stands at a critical juncture in its democratic journey, poised for a significant shift in its electoral framework. The Simultaneous Elections Report 2024, led by a high-level committee chaired by the former president, Ram Nath Kovind, has garnered nationwide attention. This ambitious initiative aims to synchronise the electoral cycles of central and state governments, enhancing governance efficiency and stability.

The concept of simultaneous elections traces its roots back to the first general elections of 1951–52, which coincided with all Vidhan Sabha polls. Although this practice persisted until 1967, subsequent years saw disruptions due to hung assemblies and prematurely dissolved Lok Sabhas and state assemblies, interrupting the synchrony of elections. Various law commissions, including the 107th report in 1999 and the 22nd Law Commission in 2018, have advocated for the restoration of simultaneous polls. However, the proposition faced opposition during deliberations by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Personnel, Public Grievances, Law, and Justice in 2015. In September 2023, the current government took a decisive step by forming a committee, led by Ram Nath Kovind, to explore the concept of 'one nation, one election'. The momentum behind this proposal surged as the Law Commission, led by Justice (retd) Ritu Raj Awasthi, presented a comprehensive framework to the Kovind-led committee. This framework outlined the constitutional amendments and logistical mechanisms necessary for implementing simultaneous elections. As discussions continue, simultaneous elections emerge not only as a logistical challenge but also as a testament to India's commitment to strengthening its democratic framework.

mint in its article, One nation, one election: Ram Nath Kovind-led panel to submit report on simultaneous polls today. All you need to know, written by Karishma Pranav Bhavsar, published on March 14, 2024, mentions that the high-level committee led by the former president, Ram Nath Kovind, is expected to present its report on ‘one nation, one election’ today to President Droupadi Murmu. The panel is likely to suggest amending at least five articles of the Constitution to facilitate simultaneous polls across the country, along with proposing a unified electoral roll for Lok Sabha, state assembly, and local body elections. In September 2023, the law commission aimed to implement this provision by the 2029 Lok Sabha Elections. The committee, formed in September 2023, was assigned to explore and advise on simultaneous elections for various levels of government while considering the existing constitutional framework. Members of the panel include Home Minister Amit Shah, former opposition leader Ghulam Nabi Azad, former Finance Commission Chairman N.K. Singh, Dr Subhash C. Kashyap, Sanjay Kothari, and Harish Salve.

Business Standard in its article, Kovind-led panel recommends simultaneous Lok Sabha, Assembly polls, written by Vasudha Mukherjee, published on March 14, 2024, reveals that the Ram Nath Kovind-led panel has submitted a detailed report on the feasibility of implementing ‘one nation, one poll’ to President Droupadi Murmu, advocating for synchronised elections across various levels of governance in India. The committee, which includes eminent figures like Home Minister Amit Shah and former leader of the opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad, recommends holding Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assembly elections simultaneously, followed by Municipalities and Panchayats within 100 days of Lok Sabha polls.

The report, spanning 18,626 pages, emphasises the establishment of a unified electoral roll and electoral identity card system for all levels of elections. Notably, the committee suggests introducing Article 324A to enable simultaneous elections in Panchayats and Municipalities and amending Article 325 for a single electoral roll and identity card.

Key recommendations include the development of a legally tenable mechanism for simultaneous elections and the introduction of logistical plans for conducting such elections by the Election Commission of India. Moreover, the committee proposes that in case of a hung House or no-confidence motion, fresh elections may be held with the tenure of the House limited to the unexpired term of the previous one.

However, the report’s insistence on synchronising election terms with the Lok Sabha elections poses challenges for states with differing election schedules, potentially leading to variations in Assembly durations and raising concerns about handling no-confidence motions. Overall, the recommendations aim to streamline India's electoral process and enhance governance efficiency.

Deccan Herald in its article, One Nation, One Election: Kovind panel recommends simultaneous polls from 2029 in 18,000-page report, written by Ashish Tripathi, published on March 14, 2024, explains that the panel on ‘One Nation-One Election’ recommended a two-step approach for simultaneous elections. Firstly, elections for the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies will be held together. Secondly, elections for Municipalities and Panchayats will follow within 100 days of the national and state elections. The committee proposed a single electoral roll and Electoral Photo Identity Cards for all three tiers of government. It called for constitutional amendments to facilitate simultaneous elections, citing the drawbacks of asynchronous elections such as uncertainty, instability, and economic hindrances. Ratification by states would be required for these amendments due to local elections falling under state subjects. In cases of hung assemblies, fresh elections were recommended. The committee highlighted logistical planning by the Election Commission for successful simultaneous elections. Prime Minister Modi has supported the idea, emphasising the efficiency and resource-saving benefits. Asynchronous elections were criticised for burdening the exchequer, causing instability, disrupting governance, and inducing voter fatigue.

India TV in its article, Ram Nath Kovind-led panel submits One Nation One Election report: Here’s how to access it online, written by Om Gupta and published on March 14, 2024, reveals that the former President Ram Nath Kovind’s committee on ‘One Nation One Election’ has submitted its report to President Droupadi Murmu. The report suggests simultaneous elections to mitigate disruptions caused by frequent polls, aiming to synchronise Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections across India. The initiative, previously practiced until 1967, aims to address issues like defections and government dissolutions. Formed in September 2023, the committee's report is a result of 191 days of research and consultation with stakeholders. It spans 18,626 pages and can be accessed online through the provided website or QR code. The committee, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah and others, presented the report to President Murmu after discussions with various political parties, gathering suggestions in writing.

Live Law in its article, One Nation, One Election Panel Recommends Cutting Short State Assemblies’ Term To Synchronize With Lok Sabha Term, written by Gyanvi Khanna, published on March 14, 2024, explains that the High-Level Committee (HLC), led by former President Ram Nath Kovind, submitted an extensive report to President Droupadi Murmu advocating for 'one nation, one election,' proposing simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha, State Legislative Assemblies, and local bodies. The committee recommended amendments to the Constitution and related laws to facilitate this synchronisation, suggesting the insertion of Article 82A to align the terms of the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies. It proposed the establishment of an Implementation Group to oversee the execution of its recommendations. In case of a hung house or a no-confidence motion, fresh elections could occur, with the new government serving the remainder of the term. Amendments were proposed to Articles 83 and 172 to address such scenarios. Additionally, the committee suggested amendments to introduce Article 324A for simultaneous elections at the local body level, with provisions for a Single Electoral Roll and Single Elector's Photo Identity Card. While ratification by states is required for local body elections, it is not necessary for simultaneous elections at the national and state levels.

The Hindu in its article, Ram Nath Kovind panel for simultaneous Lok Sabha, Assembly polls, written by Sandeep Phukan, published on March 15, 2024, explains that a high-level committee, chaired by former President Ram Nath Kovind, has proposed a roadmap for simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies, followed by municipal and panchayat polls within 100 days of the general election. The committee submitted its extensive report to President Droupadi Murmu, consisting of 322 pages from a total of more than 18,000. The report does not impact the upcoming Lok Sabha polls but aims to synchronise future elections, suggesting the President set an ‘Appointed Date’ after the Lok Sabha elections, marking the start of a new electoral cycle. State assemblies formed after this date would conclude before subsequent general elections to enable synchronised polls. Amendments to Articles 83 and 172 of the Constitution have been recommended for these changes, with additional suggestions for simultaneous elections in panchayats and municipalities, requiring ratification by states. The committee emphasises the burden of frequent elections and proposes minimal constitutional amendments for implementation. 32 out of 47 political parties supported simultaneous elections, with BJP and National People’s Party backing the move. The committee consulted jurists and studied election processes in various countries before making its recommendations. Additionally, it received over 21,000 responses from citizens during the public consultation process.

The Indian Express in its article, First step to simultaneous polls: Kovind panel shares contours of synchronising Lok Sabha, assembly, local body elections, written by Damini Nath and Ritika Chopra, published on March 15, 2024, mentions that the high-level committee, led by former President Ram Nath Kovind, recommends a two-step approach to implement simultaneous elections in India. Firstly, a “one-time transitory measure” suggests aligning the terms of state assemblies with the Parliament by setting an “appointed date” after a Lok Sabha election. Secondly, municipal and panchayat elections should follow within 100 days of Lok Sabha and state polls. If accepted, the first simultaneous elections could occur by 2029. To maintain synchronicity amid disruptions like no-confidence motions, fresh elections would only cover the remainder of the term. The committee proposes constitutional amendments to enable a single electoral roll and EPIC preparation and suggests holding municipal and panchayat polls simultaneously through Article 324A. The recommendations aim to enhance governance efficiency by synchronising all tiers of elections. Despite suggestions like a “constructive vote of no-confidence,” the committee upholds the prevailing parliamentary practice.

The Indian Express in its article, What it will take to have simultaneous elections in India: Unpacking the Kovind committee report, written by Ajoy Sinha Karpuram and Arjun Sengupta, published on March 15, 2024, unfolds that the High-Level Committee on One Nation, One Election, led by former President Ram Nath Kovind, has proposed a comprehensive plan for synchronising elections at various levels of governance in India. The committee recommends simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and state Assemblies, followed by local body elections within 100 days of the general elections. To enact these changes, the committee suggests 15 amendments to the Constitution, encompassing both new provisions and modifications to existing ones, to be executed through two Constitution Amendment Bills.

The first bill focuses on transitioning to simultaneous elections and outlines procedures for fresh elections to the Lok Sabha or state Assemblies, if necessary. It introduces Article 82A, establishing the process for simultaneous elections, with provisions for the termination of Legislative Assemblies and the power of the Election Commission of India (ECI) to recommend deferred elections.

Additionally, amendments to Article 327 expand Parliament’s authority to include the conduct of simultaneous elections. Amendments to Articles 83 and 172 redefine the terms ‘full term’ and ‘unexpired term’ for Lok Sabha and state assemblies, ensuring continuity in governance despite premature dissolution.

The second bill addresses municipal and panchayat elections, requiring ratification by states as it pertains to subjects within the State List. It proposes the addition of Article 324A, empowering Parliament to regulate simultaneous local body elections. Furthermore, amendments to Article 325 establish a single electoral roll prepared by the ECI, in consultation with State Election Commissions, streamlining the electoral process.

The committee’s recommendations aim to minimise constitutional amendments while enhancing the efficiency and coherence of India's electoral system. These proposals, if implemented, could mark a significant shift in the country's governance structure, fostering stability and facilitating effective decision-making.

Times of India’s report, One Nation One Election: Panel for simultaneous polls in 2 stages, with cutoff date, published on March 15, 2024, explains that the high-level committee on ‘One Nation One Election’ has proposed a synchronised election system for all levels of government to enhance governance and reduce disruptions from frequent polls. It suggests holding parliamentary and state assembly elections simultaneously, followed by local body elections within 100 days of the general elections. This synchronisation would require a constitutional amendment for the first step and ratification by at least half the states for the second step. The committee, led by the former President Ram Nath Kovind, submitted its report, advocating for the change to President Droupadi Murmu. The proposal aims to restore the original structure where the first three elections were held simultaneously until 1967. The committee emphasises that the change will not affect the Constitution’s basic framework and suggests that mid-term polls should only be conducted for the remaining period of the five-year term to maintain synchronisation. Additionally, it allows the Election Commission to adjust assembly poll dates if they do not align with LS polls, ensuring overall synchronisation.

The Wire in its article, Simultaneous Polls: Kovind Panel Lays Down Synchronisation of Terms, Cutting Short Assembly Tenures, written by Sravasti Dasgupta, published on March 14, 2024, mentions that a high-level committee led by former President Ram Nath Kovind submitted a report endorsing the ‘One Nation One Election’ proposal, suggesting simultaneous polls for Lok Sabha, state assemblies, and local bodies. The report, spanning 18,626 pages, advocates conducting these elections in two steps: first for Lok Sabha and state assemblies, then for municipalities and panchayats within 100 days. It proposes amending the Constitution to synchronise terms of Lok Sabha and state assemblies, aiming to alleviate the burden on various sectors caused by frequent elections. The committee, formed in 2023, gathered input from political parties and stakeholders, with 15 parties opposing the proposal. To implement simultaneous elections, the report suggests constitutional amendments and logistical planning by election bodies. Despite dissenting voices, the committee believes this move will enhance democratic processes and national unity.

FirstPost in its article, Will India have simultaneous polls in 2029? What ‘one nation, one election’ panel recommends, published on March 18, 2024, mentions that the high-level committee on ‘One Nation, One Election,’ led by Ram Nath Kovind, has submitted a report recommending simultaneous polls for Lok Sabha and state Assemblies by 2029 to President Droupadi Murmu. The report, spanning over 18,000 pages and 191 days of research and consultations, proposes amending the Constitution to synchronise national and state elections without requiring state ratification. It suggests a new article, Article 82A, to facilitate this process. The committee argues that simultaneous elections would accelerate development, enhance democratic principles, and align with India’s aspirations. It also suggests the Election Commission to prepare a single electoral roll and voter ID cards. However, several opposition parties, including Congress, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), Aam Aadmi Party (AAM), Samajwadi Party (SP), Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), Communist Party of India (CPI), CPI(M) and Trinamool Congress, oppose the idea, citing practical challenges such as logistical requirements and concerns about overshadowing local issues with national ones. Regional parties fear a disadvantage against national parties with more resources. Despite these criticisms, proponents argue that simultaneous polls would not necessarily favour larger parties and could enhance voter turnout.

The Wire in its article, Why Simultaneous Polls May Reduce India to ‘World's Largest Democracy’ Only in Name, written by Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay, published on March 3, 2024, reveals recent disclosures regarding the imminent approval of the One Nation, One Election (ONOE) project, which aims to synchronise nationwide elections. This move, supported by a committee headed by former President Ram Nath Kovind, is seen as a strategic ploy by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to gain electoral advantage.

The justifications for ONOE, including cost reduction and governance efficiency, are dismissed as smokescreens. The BJP has failed to garner bipartisan support and has made minimal efforts to curb election expenses. The real motive behind ONOE is seen as consolidating power rather than enhancing democracy. International studies and the UK’s experience with fixed-term elections suggest caution in implementing ONOE. Proposed constitutional amendments would alter the democratic fabric of India, potentially leading to a de facto one-party system and undermining regional political diversity. The rush to implement ONOE ahead of the upcoming parliamentary elections is criticised as undemocratic and must be resisted by all parties committed to preserving India’s democratic principles.