New Delhi : Prime Minister Narendra Modi has highlighted the acceptance of the High-Level Committee’s recommendations on simultaneous elections, referring to it as a key development that will make Indian democracy more vibrant, inclusive, and efficient. This move aligns with the government’s push for “One Nation, One Election,” an initiative that aims to hold simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha, state assemblies, and local bodies. By reducing the frequency of elections, the government expects to cut down on administrative costs, minimize electoral disruptions, and ensure continuous policy execution.
In a post on social media, PM Modi praised the efforts of former President Ram Nath Kovind, who chaired the High-Level Committee tasked with exploring the feasibility of implementing this electoral model. He appreciated Kovind’s leadership in gathering inputs from a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including political parties, constitutional experts, and electoral officers. The involvement of multiple stakeholders is seen as a critical factor in building consensus for this significant electoral reform.
Modi underscored that simultaneous elections would not only streamline governance but also increase voter engagement. By conducting all elections at once, the government hopes to reduce voter fatigue and encourage more people to participate in the democratic process. This system would likely simplify the electoral schedule and allow governments to focus more on development and long-term policy-making rather than the constant need to campaign.
The move is also expected to foster greater political stability. Under the current system, frequent elections can lead to governance interruptions, with political parties often prioritizing short-term electoral gains over long-term national interest. “One Nation, One Election” would allow elected representatives to focus on governance for the majority of their term, free from the distractions of recurring elections.
However, critics of the proposal point to constitutional and logistical challenges. They argue that synchronizing elections could be difficult given the varying timelines of different state assemblies and the potential need for constitutional amendments to accommodate the change. Additionally, some regional political parties fear that simultaneous elections may dilute local issues, as national-level narratives could overshadow state-level concerns.
In response to such concerns, the High-Level Committee, under Kovind’s guidance, is expected to propose practical solutions for ensuring a smooth transition to this system, balancing both national and regional electoral requirements. PM Modi’s support for the proposal highlights his commitment to fostering a more efficient and participative democracy in India.
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