Dr. Gedam Kamalakar
Post-Doctoral Fellow (ICSSR)
Department of Political Science
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Open University
Hyderabad, Telangana, (India)
Dr. Kandi Kamala
Assistant Professor
Dept. of Political Science
Government Degree College for Women (Autonomous) Begumpet
Hyderabad, Telangana, (India)
Abstract
India’s democratic structure, marked by frequent electoral cycles at both national and state levels, faces challenges of governance disruption, resource expenditure, and political instability. The idea of “One Nation, One Election” envisions synchronizing the Lok Sabha national and Vidhan Sabha state elections to streamline the democratic process and reduce the frequency of elections. By 2029, India aims to implement this system, which promises to enhance efficiency, strengthen governance, and reduce election-related costs. However, the proposal also raises significant concerns, such as the potential weakening of federalism, the risk of centralizing power, and complications in adjusting terms of both national and state legislative bodies.
India, a Socialist, Secular, Democratic Republic, is the largest democracy in the World. The modern Indian, which came into existence on 15th of August 1947, is a constitutional democracy with a parliamentary system of government. Democracy is one of the inalienable features of the Constitution of India and forms of its basic structure. The concept of democracy as visualised by the Constitution presupposes the representation of the people in Parliament and state legislatures by the method of election. At the heart of the system lies a commitment to hold regular, free and fair elections. This paper examines the constitutional, political, and logistical dimensions of One Nation, One Election, analyzing the feasibility and implications for India’s democracy. It explores key challenges, including the coordination of electoral schedules, the adjustment of staggered state assembly terms, and the role of Election Commission reforms. The project also reviews the benefits of this shift, such as reduced voter fatigue, better focus on governance, and resource optimization. Ultimately, the proposal argues that while One Nation, One Election may enhance electoral efficiency, careful consideration India, a Socialist, Secular, Democratic Republic, is the largest democracy in the World. The modern Indian, which came into existence on 15th of August 1947, is a constitutional democracy with a parliamentary system of government. Democracy is one of the inalienable features of the Constitution of India and forms of its basic structure. The concept of democracy as visualised by the Constitution presupposes the representation of the people in Parliament and state legislatures by the method of election. At the heart of the system lies a commitment to hold regular, free and fair elections. This paper examines the constitutional, political, and logistical dimensions of One Nation, One Election, analyzing the feasibility and implications for India’s democracy. It explores key challenges, including the coordination of electoral schedules, the adjustment of staggered state assembly terms, and the role of Election Commission reforms. The project also reviews the benefits of this shift, such as reduced voter fatigue, better focus on governance, and resource optimization. Ultimately, the proposal argues that while One Nation, One Election may enhance electoral efficiency, careful consideration
Keywords: One Nation One Election, Election, Democracy, Feasible, India.
