Simultaneous polls in India: ONOE panel chief reveals when they can become a reality

The ambitious One Nation, One Election bill aims to synchronise elections for the Lok Sabha, state assemblies and local bodies.

The earliest that simultaneous elections can be held under the existing Bills is 2034, said BJP MP and chairman of the Joint Committee of Parliament on Bills relating to ‘One Nation, One Election’, P P Chaudhary.

Chaudhary told Indian Express that the committee may go beyond the draft law to suggest ways to keep polls aligned, including recommending a provision for a constructive or positive vote of no-confidence.

“The committee will deliberate; Parliament will decide. We can’t say when, but the Bill says the first session of Parliament, if it happens with the appointed date, then it would be from 2034," he said  when asked when the  first simultaneous elections would be held.

Speaking about how long it would take the committee to finalise its recommendations, Chaudhary said members had unanimously decided to visit all states and Union Territories. This process that would take about two to two-and-a-half years to complete. Till now , the committee has only visited Uttarakhand and Maharashtra.

In essence, One Nation, One Election envisions conducting Lok Sabha, state assembly and local body (urban and rural) elections in the same year, if not simultaneously. The proposal suggests a two-phase approach — first, elections for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies, followed by local body polls within 100 days.

The draft legislation provides for a one-time measure to bring Lok Sabha and Assembly elections in sync. However, Chaudhary said that the committee could make additional recommendations to address how synchronisation should be maintained.

He also explained what would happen if a Lok Sabha or Assembly election returns a hung verdict or if a Union or state government falls.  “The Constitution does not mention no-confidence motion even now; it is governed by Rule 198 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha. We can bring in some provisions for stability. We can recommend new provisions in the Constitution," said  Chaudhary.

He said the committee could deliberate on the issue and it was for Parliament to decide.

According to Chaudhary, if some impediments are there in the Constitution, those impediments may be redressed after discussion with all the members. "Constructive no-confidence motion, like the German model, can be discussed. Once you bring a no-confidence motion, then at the same time, you should bring a confidence motion. In the rarest of rare situations, the Leader of the House can be elected on the floor of the House like the Speaker is. But, this situation will not arise. We have seen that the electorate does not support those who bring a no-confidence motion,” he said.

He said all members will discuss and if there is a requirement to incorporate something or make additions to the Bill in the national interest, the committee will recommend. "If our end goal is to achieve ‘One Nation, One Election’, then definitely we will recommend amendments to enable that,” he said.

He also rubbished the Opposition claim that the move would be anti-democratic and against federalism.  Chaudhary, who is BJP MP from Pali in Rajasthan, said simultaneous elections would further the cause of democracy.

“In our experience, the states where elections are held simultaneously, the voter turnout is 10-20% more. Is that in the interest of or against democracy? If there is only 40% polling and the PM or CM is elected with 21% of the votes, is that democracy? I believe polling will cross 80% if we have simultaneous elections. The expression of the will of the people will be more robust and it will strengthen democracy. Not holding simultaneous elections is anti-democratic,” he told IE.