One Nation, One Election: Ambitious Vision, Delayed Reality

Paromita Das
New Delhi, 11th June:  Bharat’s democratic machinery is about to face one of its most debated and transformative reform proposals—One Nation, One Election (ONOE). While the idea itself has been under discussion for years, its formalization gained momentum with the 129th Constitutional Amendment Bill, tabled in December 2024 and currently under review by a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) led by BJP MP PP Chaudhary. Despite the political will behind the initiative, Chaudhary recently confirmed what many political observers had already anticipated: ONOE is unlikely to be implemented before 2034.

The Vision Behind ONOE

The fundamental idea of ONOE is to synchronize the electoral cycles of the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies, thereby reducing the frequency of elections and, by extension, the financial and administrative burden on the government. It also aims to free political parties and governance from the continuous election mode that Bharat currently operates in, allowing more time for policy-making and implementation.

The idea has found strong support from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has called it a necessary step toward efficient governance. A High-level Committee on Simultaneous Elections, chaired by former President Ram Nath Kovind, submitted an exhaustive 18,626-page report to President Droupadi Murmu in March 2024, detailing the legislative and logistical roadmap needed for this reform.

Why ONOE Can’t Happen Before 2034

While the idea may seem administratively sound, its execution is bound by constitutional constraints. The current Lok Sabha’s first sitting took place in 2024, and the proposed Article 82A in the Bill states that the President can announce an “appointed date” for synchronizing elections only during the first session of a newly-elected Lok Sabha. This effectively pushes the next opportunity for notification to 2029, when the 19th Lok Sabha convenes.

Even if everything goes according to plan and the amendment is passed by then, it would require the curtailment of terms for state assemblies elected post-2029 to align them with the 2034 Lok Sabha elections. Only then would full synchronization be feasible, making 2034 the earliest realistic starting point.

Parliamentary and Political Roadblocks

The Bill’s passage is not merely a bureaucratic task—it demands robust political consensus. As a constitutional amendment, it needs a two-thirds majority in both Houses of Parliament. The NDA, despite holding power at the Centre and in 20 out of 30 state assemblies, currently lacks the requisite strength in both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. For the Bill to pass, the BJP-led government will need cooperation from parties outside its coalition.

Additionally, at least half of the states and Union Territories must ratify the Bill post its parliamentary approval. While current numbers seem to tilt in NDA’s favor, political dynamics can change drastically over the years. Chaudhary’s comment that “parties who think of the national interest would support the Bills” reflects the hope that bipartisan consensus will emerge—but it’s far from guaranteed.

Logistical and Financial Hurdles

Implementation of ONOE will also be a massive operational challenge. The Election Commission of India (ECI) would need to double the number of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and overhaul its infrastructure to ensure smooth conduct of simultaneous elections. According to ECI estimates, around ₹10,000 crore would be required every 15 years just to upgrade and replace EVMs.

Besides the EVMs, logistical planning will need to accommodate additional polling personnel, security forces, and administrative changes. The ECI would also have to address legal inconsistencies arising from different states completing their full terms at different times.

A Progressive Reform, But Premature

ONOE represents a visionary overhaul of Bharat’s electoral system. In principle, it makes sense—less frequent elections mean reduced costs, fewer policy interruptions, and enhanced political stability. However, pushing it through without adequate political consensus and logistical groundwork could do more harm than good.

The fact that the JPC plans to visit every state and Union Territory over the next two to two-and-a-half years indicates the seriousness with which the Centre is approaching this task. Yet, such an ambitious reform must be more than a political trophy. It must reflect federal consensus, legal clarity, and administrative readiness.

There is also a need for widespread public debate and academic engagement, especially in a democracy as diverse and layered as Bharat. Different states have different governance cycles and electoral issues; a one-size-fits-all model must accommodate this diversity, not ignore it.

A Decade Away, But Worth the Wait?

While One Nation, One Election may not be implemented before 2034, the groundwork being laid today is essential. It demonstrates long-term thinking in Bharat’s policy-making—a rare and commendable quality in a political environment often dictated by short-term electoral gains.

If the government succeeds in building a coalition across party lines and institutions to support ONOE, it could mark a new chapter in Bharat’s democratic evolution. Until then, the journey is as important as the destination. The debate must continue, not just in parliamentary panels, but in civil society, academia, and media—ensuring that when ONOE does arrive, it is as robust in execution as it is in vision.