The current buzz around 'One Nation One Election' first began in 2018 when the Law Commission of India, in its draft recommendation, suggested that holding simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha and state Assemblies is the solution to prevent the country from being in constant election mode.
The Law Commission of India Chaired by Justice B.S. Chauhan, noted that while simultaneous elections cannot be held within the existing framework of the Constitution, it will save public money and reduce burden on the administrative setup and security forces. Holding simultaneous elections will also ensure timely implementation of government policies, and ensure that the administrative machinery is engaged in development activities rather than electioneering, the commission said in its report.
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One Nation One Election?
The Commission recommended three alternatives to synchronise elections in India. The first was advancing or postponing election timings in certain states, such that elections to all state assemblies and Lok Sabha may be held together in 2019. Second, if all assembly elections are held in the manner suggested in option one, then elections will only need to be conducted twice in five years. Third, if simultaneous elections cannot be conducted, then the Commission recommended that all elections falling due in a calendar year should be conducted together.
However, if these changes were to be made, then several Articles of the Constitution need to be amended. Union Minister of State for Law and Justice, Arjun Ram Meghwal had earlier listed five articles that needed to be amended: Article 83 relating to duration of Houses of Parliament; Article 85 relating to dissolution of the House of the People by the President; Article 172 relating to duration of the State Legislatures; Article 174 relating to dissolution of the State Legislatures and Article 356 relating to the imposition of President’s Rule in the States.
