Syllabus: GS-II
Subject: Polity
Topic: Elections and RPA
Issue: Simultaneous Elections
Context: A presentation was made by BJP before the high-level committee on simultaneous polls.
Synopsis:
- A high level panel, headed by former president Ramnath Kovind was formed to look into the feasibility of the “one nation, one election” idea.
- The BJP pitched for simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha, the State Assemblies, and the local bodies, with the same voter list for all three.
Simultaneous polls:
| Benefits | Challenges |
| Significant cost savings for the public exchequer. | Necessitates constitutional amendments for at least five Articles namely Articles 83, 85, 172, 174, and 356. |
| Reduced strain on administrative structures(teachers, health workers) and security forces. | Is considered contradictory
to the principles of the Constitution and federalism |
| Policy paralysis during Model Code of Conduct addressed | Implementation challenges:
1. What happens in case of hung assembly? 2. What if a government falls before completion of its term? |
| Consistent focus on developmental efforts without frequent breaks. | Disproportionately benefits national parties which have high financial resources. |
