One Nation One Election (Onoe): an Initiative of Electoral Reform in India

ABSTRACT "One Nation One Election" is a concept advocating for synchronizing the elections across all levels of government in India. The idea proposes to hold elections for the Lok Sabha (Lower House of Parliament), State Legislative Assemblies, and local bodies like municipalities and panchayats simultaneously, ideally once every five years. In September 2023, the Union Government established a 'High Level Committee on One Nation, One Election led by former President Ramnath Kovind. The Committee has engaged with national and State political parties and sought public and jurists' opinions, with potential recommendations anticipated. The proposal raises concerns about its impact on India's democratic structure and federal set up. The primary objective of ONOE is to streamline the electoral process by conducting elections for the Lok Sabha, State Legislative Assemblies, and local bodies simultaneously, ideally once every five years. Proponents argue that ONOE could lead to reduced expenditure, less disruption to governance, increased voter turnout, enhanced governance, and better utilization of resources. However, critics raise concerns about constitutional hurdles, political implications, loss of accountability, impact on federalism, and the complexity of implementation. ONOE offers potential benefits such as efficiency and cost-effectiveness, its implementation requires careful consideration of legal, logistical, and political complexities. This paper provides an overview of the ONOE concept, its objectives, potential benefits, and challenges in the Indian context as advance electoral reform efforts in India. This research explores ONOE as an initiative of electoral reform and assesses its feasibility and democratic implications.