‘One Nation, One Election’ proposal gets strong support in North India: News18 Pulse

The One Nation, One Election initiative proposes synchronised polls for the Lok Sabha, state assemblies, local bodies across India, all to be conducted within a 100-day period

Over 87 per cent respondents in North India said they support the Centre's ‘One Nation, One Election’ proposal aimed at conducting simultaneous elections across the country, according to a survey conducted by News18. However, the support was slightly less decisive in the southern region, with about 70 per cent respondents endorsing the idea.

Overall, 80.1 per cent of the respondents said they support the idea of holding Lok Sabha and all state Assembly polls simultaneously, according to the survey released on January 8 titled 'News18 Pulse: One Nation, One Election'.

The One Nation, One Election initiative proposes synchronised polls for the Lok Sabha, state assemblies, local bodies across India, all to be conducted within a 100-day period. A joint committee of Lok Sabha as well as Rajya Sabha has been established to examine the bills relating to 'One Nation, One Election' which were introduced in Lok Sabha during Parliament's winter session.

According to the survey, 69.4 per cent respondents in South said simultaneous polls will help save public money and reduce expenditure, while the numbers were higher in Central India (91.5 per cent) and North India (89.4 per cent).

About 80.2 per cent respondents in North said simultaneous elections will help align national and regional issues leading to better policy decisions and 63 per cent in South agreed to this. Overall, 71.6 per cent respondents think synchronised polling across the country will enable in better decision making.

59.5 per cent of the respondents in South believe ONOE is expected to strengthen democracy further. The number in Central India stands at 80.9 per cent, East at 75.3 per cent, North at 80.6 per cent and North East at 62.1 per cent.

The survey was conducted by News18 across 29 states and UTs of India covering a sample pool of 4,573 people.

A high-level committee on simultaneous polls, headed by former President Ram Nath Kovind, was constituted by the Indian government on September 2, 2023. The committee gave its recommendation, which were accepted by the Union Cabinet last year.

Proponents argue that such a system could enhance administrative efficiency, reduce election-related expenditures, and promote policy continuity. Meanwhile, Left parties have strongly opposed it, saying it is a direct assault on the federal structure and the rights of state legislatures.