The Law Commission of India has announced that simultaneous elections, a part of the ‘One Nation, One Election’ initiative, will not be feasible for the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections, according to sources within the commission. However, the commission is actively working on a formula to synchronize all state assembly polls with the Lok Sabha elections starting from 2029.
Detailed Article:
In a significant development, the Law Commission of India has revealed that the implementation of simultaneous elections, popularly known as the ‘One Nation, One Election’ system, will not be feasible for the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections. This information comes from reliable sources within the commission who cited various logistical challenges.
The Law Commission, chaired by Justice Rituraj Awasthi, is dedicated to finding a viable solution to hold simultaneous elections across the country. According to sources, the commission is actively working on a formula that would allow for the synchronization of all state assembly elections with the Lok Sabha polls, commencing from 2029. This ambitious undertaking aims to streamline the electoral process and reduce the financial burden on the nation.
Justice Awasthi mentioned in a recent statement that the commission’s report on simultaneous elections will be published before the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. He acknowledged that significant work is still ongoing to ensure the successful implementation of this initiative.
The forthcoming report is expected to propose amendments to the Indian Constitution, specifically addressing the feasibility of simultaneous elections at the national and state assembly levels. It will focus exclusively on the Lok Sabha and state assembly elections, which are pivotal to the democratic process in India.
The Law Commission’s journey toward achieving ‘One Nation, One Election’ began in December 2022 when it formulated a set of six critical questions. These questions sought the input of key stakeholders, including national political parties, the Election Commission of India, bureaucrats, academicians, and experts, regarding the feasibility and practicality of simultaneous elections. The report, currently in progress, will eventually be submitted to the Union Law Ministry for further consideration.
The ‘One Nation, One Election’ concept has been a subject of debate for several years. The 21st Law Commission, in its draft report submitted to the Union Law Ministry in 2018, argued that simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies could result in significant cost savings, alleviate the burden on the administrative setup, and enhance the efficient execution of government policies. However, it also highlighted the need for constitutional amendments and recommended changes to relevant provisions of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, to accommodate simultaneous elections.
Summary:
- Simultaneous elections, part of the ‘One Nation, One Election’ plan, will not be held in 2024, according to sources within the Law Commission of India.
- The commission is actively working on a formula to synchronize all state assembly elections with the Lok Sabha polls, starting from 2029.
- The commission’s report on simultaneous elections, expected before the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, will propose constitutional amendments and focus solely on Lok Sabha and state assembly elections.
- The Law Commission initiated discussions on simultaneous elections in December 2022, seeking input from various stakeholders.
- The 21st Law Commission previously argued that simultaneous elections could save money, reduce administrative burden, and enhance policy implementation but called for constitutional amendments and changes to relevant laws to make it possible.
