One Nation, One Election Bill: Passed in Lok Sabha with 269 Votes, But Falls Short of Two-Thirds Majority | IAS BANENGE

The “One Nation, One Election” initiative, aiming to synchronize India’s national and state elections, has been a focal point of political discourse. 

On December 17, 2024, the Lok Sabha witnessed a significant development when the bill proposing this reform was introduced. 

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The motion to table the bill passed with 269 votes in favor and 198 against, falling short of the two-thirds majority required for constitutional amendments. 

Understanding “One Nation, One Election“

This proposal seeks to align the election schedules of the Lok Sabha (House of the People) and all state legislative assemblies, conducting them simultaneously across the nation. 

Advocates argue that this approach would reduce the frequency and cost of elections, minimize the diversion of security forces and administrative resources, and allow governments to focus more on governance rather than continuous campaigning. 

Recent Parliamentary Proceedings

The bill’s introduction in the Lok Sabha marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing debate over electoral reforms. 

Despite securing a simple majority with 269 votes in favor, the proposal did not achieve the requisite two-thirds majority (approximately 362 votes) necessary for constitutional amendments. 

Consequently, the bill’s progression faces significant challenges. 

Arguments For and Against

Proponents of the initiative highlight several potential benefits:

• Economic Efficiency: Reducing the number of elections could lead to substantial savings in public funds.
• Administrative Streamlining: Simultaneous elections would lessen the burden on security forces and administrative machinery, currently engaged in frequent electoral processes.
• Governance Stability: With fewer election cycles, governments might experience more uninterrupted periods to implement policies effectively.

Opponents, however, raise critical concerns:

• Federalism at Risk: Critics argue that synchronized elections could undermine the autonomy of state governments, centralizing power and diminishing the federal structure.
• Operational Challenges: Coordinating elections across a vast and diverse nation like India presents significant logistical hurdles.
• Democratic Representation: There is apprehension that simultaneous elections might overshadow regional issues, with national narratives dominating electoral discourse.

Next Steps

Given the current parliamentary arithmetic, the bill’s prospects appear uncertain. 

The government may consider revising the proposal to address the concerns raised by opposition parties and regional stakeholders. 

Building a broader consensus is essential for any constitutional amendment of this magnitude

The “One Nation, One Election” debate encapsulates the complexities of balancing efficiency with democratic representation in India’s vibrant polity. 

As discussions continue, the nation watches closely, recognizing that any decision will have profound implications for its democratic processes.