Union Cabinet cleared on Wednesday the proposal of a high-level committee to hold simultaneous elections across the country. The committe was headed by former president Ram Nath Kovind. The proposal aims to synchronise the elections for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies to a single schedule.
Union minister Ashwini Vaishnaw told reporters that large number of parties have supported the idea, and the Centre will seek to create consensus over next few months.
He said that frequent polls disrupt development works in the country due to the model code of conduct.
Even as the opposition parties say it's not a practial idea and it won't work, and there being many pros and cos involved with the idea, here's how the Centre wants to implement it:
- Simultaneous elections will be implemented in two phases in 2029
- If some state elections are advanced or kept on hold, 10-15 polls can be held together
- The panel has recommended shorter term for state assemblies elected after 2024
- The government will form an 'implementation group' to execute the recommendations of the panel
- In the first phase, Lok Sabha and assembly elections will be held
- The second phase will be conducted for local body elections for municipalities and panchayats within 100 days of phase one elections
- There will single list to identify eligible voters for all elections
- The Centre will try to create consensus by initiating detailed discussions throughout the country
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