New Delhi: The Indian government is set to introduce three crucial bills aimed at implementing its ‘One Nation, One Election’ strategy, with two bills focusing on constitutional amendments and one being an ordinary bill. This comprehensive plan seeks to synchronize elections for the Lok Sabha, state legislative assemblies, and local bodies across the nation.
The first proposed constitutional amendment bill will address provisions for holding simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha and state assemblies. This will involve amending Article 82A, adding sub-clauses to align the terms of these bodies by creating a common ‘appointed date’ and provisions for dissolution. Articles 83(2) and 327 will also be amended to ensure uniformity in the duration and dissolution of the assemblies and the Lok Sabha. However, this bill will not require ratification by states.
The second constitutional amendment bill, which will require endorsement from at least 50% of the states, focuses on synchronizing local body elections with the general elections. It proposes amending the existing structure where the Election Commission (EC) and State Election Commissions (SECs) operate independently. The bill will introduce Article 324A, empowering the EC to work in coordination with the SECs to prepare electoral rolls and conduct elections for municipalities and panchayats alongside the general elections.
A third, ordinary bill will address provisions for aligning the legislative assembly terms of Union Territories such as Delhi, Puducherry, and Jammu & Kashmir with the rest of the country. This bill will amend existing laws like the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi Act, the Government of Union Territories Act, and the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, ensuring that these regions follow the same electoral schedule.
These legislative efforts are part of the government’s broader plan to introduce ‘one nation, one election’ in two phases. The first phase will focus on simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies, while the second will cover local body elections within 100 days of the general elections.
