Context
The government of India has begun the process of holding simultaneous Lok Sabha and Assembly elections. Former President Ram Nath Kovind will chair the committee in charge of this endeavour. To examine this issue, a special parliamentary session has been planned for September 18-22. Implementing "one nation, one election" faces considerable legal obstacles, including modifications to the Constitution, new laws, state consensus, and addressing post-election complications relating to legislative bodies' fixed five-year terms.
 
Historical Background  
·         The concept of simultaneous elections in India dates back to at least 1983, when the Election Commission first advocated it. However, in 1951-52, India held simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha (House of People) and State Legislative Assemblies, a practise that was repeated in the subsequent General Elections of 1957, 1962, and 1967.
·         Unfortunately, the cycle of simultaneous elections was disturbed in 1968 and 1969 due to the premature dissolution of various Legislative Assemblies. The Lok Sabha was dissolved ahead of schedule in 1970, resulting in new elections in 1971. As a result, only the First, Second, and Third Lok Sabhas had completed five-year tenure.
·         The many premature dissolutions and extensions of the terms of the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies resulted in separate elections for both entities, upsetting the previously established pattern of simultaneous elections.

The concept of "One Nation, One Election" has various advantages:  
·         Control of Election Expenses: It can aid in the regulation of election and party expenses. In the first Lok Sabha elections in 1951-52, 53 parties ran for office, with poll expenses totalling 11 crore rupees. In comparison, the 2019 elections had 610 political parties, approximately 9,000 candidates, with an expected poll expenditure of 60,000 crore rupees (according to ADR).
·         Cost Savings: Implementing this notion will save the government money while also easing the pressure on administrative structures and security personnel. It will ensure that government programmes are implemented on schedule and allow the administrative apparatus to focus on development rather than election-related activities.
·         Informed Voting: Voters would be able to more properly analyse the policies and performance of both state and federal administrations. This would allow people to more easily compare political parties' pledges to their actual implementation.
·         Enhanced Governance: It can address governance issues by deterring politicians from making short-term decisions for electoral gain, thereby encouraging long-term decisions that benefit the country.
 
There are various hurdles to implementing "One Nation, One Election": 
·         Synchronisation of Terms: In order to hold concurrent elections, the terms of the Lok Sabha and the State Legislative Assemblies must be aligned. Currently, various state assemblies hold elections at different times, resulting in varying terms. To accomplish synchronisation, constitutional adjustments to Articles 83, 85, 172, 174, and 356 would be required.
·         Constitutional Amendments: Changes to key constitutional articles such as Article 83 (Lok Sabha term), Article 85 (Lok Sabha dissolution), Article 172 (State Legislative Assembly term), Article 174 (State Legislative Assembly dissolution), and Article 356 (President's Rule) are required to change the terms of legislative bodies. Furthermore, changes to the Representation of the People Act and related legislative procedures would be required.
·         Parliamentary Government: Under India's parliamentary system, the government is held accountable to the Lower House (Lok Sabha or Legislative Assembly). Elections are required if the government fails before the end of its term. Achieving "One Nation, One Election" must take into account this intrinsic element of the parliamentary form of government.
·         Political Consensus: Persuading all political parties to support "One Nation, One Election" is a daunting task. Different parties may have different interests and concerns, making reaching an agreement on this fundamental election reform difficult.
  
Recommendations:
·         The Law Commission of India recommended simultaneous elections to Lok Sabha and State Legislative.
·         The 79th report of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Law and Justice recommended a two-phase election schedule – one concurrent with Lok Sabha elections, the second in the mid-term of the Lok Sabha. 
·         The Election Commission has also extended its in-principle support for the simultaneous elections.
 
Several solutions to the issues related with India's "One Nation One Election" can be considered:
·         Transitioning to a Presidential system of government, in which the President is not accountable to the House, is one drastic approach. Fixed election dates, similar to those used in the United States, might be set under such a system, reducing synchronisation issues.
·         Switching to a presidential form of government would require changing the fundamental framework of the constitution.
·         Fixed Election Dates: Follow the American model by holding elections for the President, Vice President, House of Representatives, and Senate on the same day every year. These fixed dates might be constitutionally legislated, ensuring that elections take place at regular intervals regardless of government form.
·         Alternative Leadership Selection: If the government falls before the end of its term in the parliamentary system, one alternative is to invite the second or third most powerful person in the house or the head of a political party to form the government. In such cases, the House could be granted the opportunity to choose its own leader.
·         Term Alignment Amendment to the Constitution: Amend the Constitution to align the periods of state legislative assemblies with those of Lok Sabha elections. This would ensure that elections for both bodies take place at the same time. Additionally, only the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha elections might be synchronised.
 
Conclusion 
The concept of 'One India, One Election' has the potential to be a great shift if implemented with rigorous regard to norms and regulations. It is critical to address the growing demand for trained administrative personnel as well as increased security. To work out the technical issues of implementation, a specialised group of constitutional experts, think tanks, government officials, and political party representatives must be formed. In a society where elections are regarded as festivals, moving to once every five years would be similar to a huge "Maha-Festival," solidifying the democratic process while lowering the administrative burden associated with frequent elections.
 
LTX Mains Question
Q. Discuss the historical context of India's "One Nation, One Election" concept. Highlight the primary benefits it provides as well as the legal hurdles connected with its execution. What viable solutions to these problems can be investigated?