Current affairs perspective from The Hindu and Indian Express
Simultaneous Elections: Impractical and Complicated
Topic: Simultaneous Elections in India
General Studies Paper: GS-II (Polity and Governance)
UPSC Optional: Political Science & International Relations (PSIR)
Essay: Governance, Electoral Reforms, Federalism
Key Points:
1. Background:
Simultaneous elections refer to the idea of holding Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assembly elections at the same time.
The One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Amendment Bill, 2024 and Union Territories Laws (Amendment Bill, 2024) aim to address the idea.
A committee, led by former President Ram Nath Kovind, is exploring the feasibility of simultaneous elections.
2. Arguments in Favor:
Cost Reduction: Reduces the financial burden and resources required for frequent elections.
Governance Stability: Prevents political parties from being in ‘permanent campaign mode’ and allows focus on long-term governance and policymaking.
3. Concerns Against Simultaneous Elections:
Logistical Nightmare:
Conducting elections in a country of 1.4 billion people would require massive planning, logistics, and resources.
State and Central elections often take place at different times, requiring multiple phases.
Violation of Parliamentary Democracy:
India’s parliamentary system is based on the concept of confidence of the House.
Governments can fall mid-term, requiring fresh elections.
Simultaneous elections would break this system by artificially aligning election timelines.
‘Horse-Trading’ Concerns:
Simultaneous elections could increase instances of "horse-trading" (political manipulation to maintain the government’s stability).
Politicians may seek ways to exploit the system, eroding democratic values.
Federalism at Risk:
Simultaneous elections undermine India’s federal structure by reducing political decentralization.
States would have to align with the Centre’s timeline, diminishing their autonomy.
Democracy and Public Participation:
Frequent elections enhance accountability by allowing people to vote regularly.
In a democracy like India, simultaneous elections may weaken participatory democracy and the responsiveness of representatives.
4. Core Issues:
Breaking Down Federalism:
India’s federal structure and principles of decentralization are fundamental to its governance.
Aligning elections undermines the independence of state governments.
Democratic Accountability:
Elections serve as tools for holding leaders accountable.
Simultaneous elections risk reducing public participation and scrutiny.
Administrative Challenges:
Managing elections simultaneously involves significant administrative complexities and technical hurdles.
5. Conclusion:
Simultaneous elections, while aiming to improve cost efficiency and governance stability, undermine key pillars of India's parliamentary democracy and federal structure.
They could harm participatory democracy, increase political manipulation, and weaken decentralization.
Background Information:
The idea of simultaneous elections was originally implemented in India until 1967. However, political instability at both Central and State levels led to staggered elections. Post-1967, the cycle of elections became asynchronous due to the dissolution of Assemblies and Lok Sabha at various times.
The debate around simultaneous elections gained momentum under the NDA government as part of electoral reforms to reduce election expenditure and streamline governance.
Recent Developments:
Ram Nath Kovind Committee: Formed to examine the feasibility of simultaneous elections.
Challenges: The logistical and constitutional issues raised by critics have slowed down the implementation of this reform.
UPSC Questions:
Mains:
"Simultaneous elections can reduce election costs but weaken federalism and democracy." Discuss.
"Frequent elections in India strengthen democracy and accountability." Analyze.
Kommentare