| One Nation, One Election: Towards Democratic Stability and Efficient Governance | | | Madan Mohan Chhabra | 11/16/2025 10:44:22 PM |
| India’s democracy has always thrived on the pillars of consensus, dialogue, and balance. Electoral reforms, therefore, should not merely aim at political stability, but must also strengthen democratic participation and governance efficiency. In this context, the vision of “One Nation, One Election” is not just a matter of administrative convenience—it represents maturity, responsibility, and a progressive step towards a more coherent democracy.
Restoring Stability and Saving Resources
The proposal to synchronize elections for the Lok Sabha and all State Assemblies is designed to bring continuity and stability to governance, conserve public resources, and reduce the recurring burden of frequent elections. It also seeks to relieve citizens and political institutions alike from the fatigue and financial pressure of repeated electoral cycles.
Since Independence, India has held over 400 national and state elections—each demonstrating the Election Commission’s commitment to impartiality, transparency, and efficiency. However, the current system of staggered elections across states has led to administrative disruptions, halted developmental work, and delayed implementation of welfare policies. Recognizing this structural challenge, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s One Nation–One Election vision proposes a far-reaching reform in India’s electoral framework.
A Step Towards Structural Reform
To study its feasibility, the Government of India constituted a High-Level Committee under the chairmanship of former President Ram Nath Kovind. The committee’s mandate was to examine constitutional, administrative, and political aspects of holding simultaneous elections. Its recommendations, endorsed by the Union Cabinet on September 18, 2024, could mark a historic milestone in India’s democratic evolution—paving the way for a more efficient and synchronized electoral process.
If implemented, this model would reintroduce the electoral harmony that existed in the early decades of the Republic. Between 1951-52 and 1967, elections to the Lok Sabha and all State Assemblies were held simultaneously.
This synchrony was disrupted when several assemblies were dissolved prematurely in 1968–69, followed by the dissolution of the Lok Sabha in 1970. The subsequent decades of coalition politics and political instability further widened the gap between national and state election cycles.
Simultaneous Elections: How the Model Works
Under the proposed system often termed the Simultaneous Election Model voters would cast their ballots for both central and state governments on the same day, though polling could still occur in multiple phases across different regions.
The Election Commission would need to conduct large-scale operations only once in five years, reducing the recurring strain on financial, human, and administrative resources.
Currently, each Lok Sabha election costs the exchequer thousands of crores of rupees, while separate state elections multiply the expense several times over. Frequent elections also impose indirect costs: diversion of security forces, prolonged enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct, and delays in policy execution. Estimates suggest that holding simultaneous elections could reduce election-related expenditure by 40–50 percent and ensure uninterrupted implementation of development programs.
Political and Administrative Advantages
A synchronized electoral system promises to:
Enhance policy continuity by minimizing governance disruptions.
Reduce financial burden on both government and political parties.
Streamline administrative functioning by limiting the frequency of election deployments.
Encourage informed voting, as citizens would consider both national and state issues together.
Such a reform would also compel political parties to adopt a more comprehensive vision—balancing regional aspirations with national priorities.
Global Context and Democratic Maturity
Globally, several democracies such as South Africa, Sweden, and Indonesia have successfully implemented simultaneous elections.
These nations have reported positive outcomes in governance continuity, administrative efficiency, and policy stability.
For India a country of continental scale and diversity this initiative could become a defining example of democratic innovation and electoral modernization.
A Reform Beyond Politics
The One Nation–One Election proposal is not intended to favor any political party.
Its true purpose lies in strengthening the roots of democracy, ensuring stability in governance, and creating a seamless environment for sustained development.
By synchronizing elections, India can safeguard both democratic stability and resource efficiency, ensuring that the world’s largest democracy remains vibrant, efficient, and future-ready.
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