“One Nation, One Election” (ONOE) refers to the proposal of holding simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha, all State legislative assemblies, and (optionally) local bodies once every five years. This idea aims at reducing electoral frequency, administrative burden, and campaign expenditure, while improving policy continuity and national federal coherence. However, ONOE also raises serious constitutional, federal, political, and logistical challenges, including risks to regional autonomy, mid term instability, and the centralisation of electoral power. This paper critically examines the opportunities and challenges of implementing ONOE in India, discusses its implications for federalism, democracy, and governance, and suggests balanced remedial measures to ensure that any reform strengthens—rather than weakens—India’s democratic fabric.
Dr. Anil Ramchandra Gore (Wed,) studied this question.