20th September 2024 (8 Topics)
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Wrong notion: On Simultaneous Elections
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Context
The Union government has decided to proceed with the recommendation of a high-level committee led by former President Ram Nath Kovind to implement simultaneous elections for Lok Sabha and State Assemblies, amidst opposition from various political parties and civil society. This move aims to synchronize elections at multiple levels to enhance governance and reduce costs.
Proposal Overview
- The committee recommends holding simultaneous Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections, followed by municipal and panchayat polls within 100 days.
- This initiative requires constitutional amendments to be passed in both Parliament and State Assemblies.
- The rationale includes reducing election costs and mitigating the continuous campaigning by political parties.
Challenges of Cost Reduction
- There is minimal empirical data supporting the claim that simultaneous elections will lead to significant cost savings.
- Currently, general elections are already time-consuming, and synchronizing elections may prolong this process further.
- Additionally, if a State Assembly is dissolved early, midterm elections will not grant a full five-year term, undermining the cost-cutting rationale.
Federalism and Electoral Integrity
- The proposal risks undermining the federal structure by reducing the significance of State and local elections, which have distinct roles in a multi-tiered governance system.
- Each electoral tier allows voters to make choices based on specific socio-economic factors and local issues, fostering diversity in representation.
- The centralization of elections could dilute the importance of these levels and alter the nature of political representation.
Practice Question
Critically analyze the implications of implementing simultaneous elections in India on the federal structure and electoral integrity, considering the challenges posed by such a proposal.
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