| Syllabus: GS-II, Subject: Polity, Topic: Election and RPA, Issue: Election Process |
Context: the High Level Committee on Simultaneous Elections has submitted its report
- The High-Level Committee on Simultaneous Elections has recommended holding polls to various levels of government concurrently.
 Concerns with the committee report:
- The committee’s composition: the absence of some opposition members, suggests alignment with the government’s stance on simultaneous elections.
- Argues for simultaneous elections citing resource efficiency and voter fatigue but overlooks the potential threat to federalism.
- Opposition from political parties and dissenting voices like Tamil Nadu Election Commissioner. Concerns are mentioned but not adequately addressed.
- Suggestions like state funding of elections and concerns about political accountability raised by former Chief Justices are briefly mentioned but dismissed.
- The report’s dismissal of dissenting views as “misplaced” raises questions about its impartiality and thoroughness.
Conclusion:
- Critics argue that simultaneous elections could diminish political diversity and disadvantage regional parties.
- The report’s conclusions does not adequately address the multifaceted implications of simultaneous elections.
- This necessitate further discussion and consideration of dissenting views.
