The formula of ‘One Nation One Election’ is already implemented in many countries of the world
#News Bureau September 19,2024
In India, elections for Lok Sabha and all state assemblies were held simultaneously every five years from 1951 to 1967. Voters in the country voted simultaneously for the center and the states in the years 1952, 1957, 1962 and 1967. But with the reorganization of some old states and the emergence of new states in the country, this process was completely abolished in the year 1968-69In India, elections for Lok Sabha and all state assemblies were held simultaneously every five years from 1951 to 1967. Voters in the country voted simultaneously for the center and the states in the years 1952, 1957, 1962 and 1967. But with the reorganization of some old states and the emergence of new states in the country, this process was completely abolished in the year 1968-69.
HIGHLIGHTS
1. The proposal of ‘one country, one election’ got approval from the Union Cabinet.
2. In the winter session, the NDA government will bring a bill regarding ‘one country, one election’ in the Parliament.
3. Between 1951-67, simultaneous elections were held for the Lok Sabha and all the state assemblies in the country.
4. The process of conducting simultaneous elections in the country was completely abolished in the year 1968-69.
The proposal of ‘One Nation One Election’, which has been a matter of debate in the country for a long time, has got the approval of the Union Cabinet on Wednesday. Its objective is to conduct Lok Sabha and Assembly elections simultaneously, so that it can be ensured that the financial expenditure incurred in elections can be reduced. Supporters of ‘One Country, One Election’ argue that this step can streamline the electoral process, reduce expenses and reduce the troubles caused by frequent elections. However, critics have been raising many questions about it.
\Many elections have been held in the country since independence, which often puts a lot of pressure on resources and administrative machinery. The concept of ‘One Country, One Election’ is not new. Experts believe that this process is as old as our Constitution.
Many countries of the world have adopted variations of the ‘one country, one election’ model to streamline the electoral process. Here we have mentioned the countries that have adopted this process. Along with this, we have also highlighted how elections are conducted in these countries under the process.
America
Elections for the President, Congress and Senate in the US are held on a fixed date every four years. This process ensures that the highest offices in the country can be elected simultaneously, thereby facilitating a unified electoral process. This process involves following the election dates set by federal law, thereby maintaining nationwide coordination of electoral activities.
Election process in America:
1. The election process in the US begins with primary elections, where political parties select their candidates for the general election.
2. General elections in the US are held at an interval of four years. Also, these elections are held on the first Tuesday of November.
3. Under the electoral process in the US, voters exercise their franchise for various federal, state and local offices, including the President, members of Congress, governors, state legislators and local officials.
4. The Electoral College system is used in the US to elect the President and Vice President. In which each state is allotted a certain number of electoral votes based on its representation in Congress.
5. The candidate who wins the majority in the election becomes the President. While Congress members and other officials are elected on the basis of votes in their respective jurisdictions.
France
France also adopts a similar approach to holding elections in the country. Here elections are held for the President and the National Assembly (lower house of Parliament) simultaneously every five years. Here voters elect both the head of state and their representatives under the same voting process. In France, under the process of ‘one country, one election’, a fixed term is to be fixed for the President and the National Assembly.
Election process in France
1. Presidential and legislative elections are held every five years in France. In which the President is elected on the basis of majority.
2. In France, the President appoints the Prime Minister from the party that gets majority in the National Assembly. Which is elected through a two-stage system.
3. For the election of the Prime Minister, the candidate tries to get a majority in the first round. If no candidate is able to get an absolute majority in this process, then a second round of competition is held between the top two candidates.
4. In France, members of the National Assembly are elected from single-member constituencies. Also, in this process, it is ensured that representation of different political parties is ensured.
Sweden
Under the model of elections adopted by Sweden in the country, general elections for Parliament (Riksdag) and local government are held simultaneously every four years. At the same time, municipal and county council elections, being held along with the national elections, give voters a chance to participate in many electoral processes on the same day.
Under this process, the tenure of the national and local legislatures is synchronized. This ensures that elections for different levels of government can be held simultaneously. This electoral process in Sweden promotes both electoral efficiency and voter participation. Also, this process also reduces the administrative burden of conducting separate elections.
Election process in Sweden
1. General elections for Sweden’s parliament Riksdag are held every four years. In which voters elect members of parliament through the proportional representation system.
2. Local government elections for municipalities and county councils are also held every four years. Usually these elections are held on the same day as the national elections.
3. Sweden has a multi-party system, in which voters choose candidates from various political parties to represent them at the national and local levels.
4. The election process is overseen by the Swedish Election Authority, which ensures transparency and fairness in the electoral process.
Canada
Canada does not strictly follow the ‘one country, one election’ system. Elections for the House of Commons are held every four years, giving the country a consistent electoral framework at the national level. In addition, some provinces of the country hold local level elections along with federal elections.
Election process in Canada
1. Federal elections for the House of Commons are held every four years, with the Prime Minister calling for an election on a fixed term basis or depending on circumstances.
2. Members of Parliament are elected through the first-past-the-post system, in which the candidate with the most votes in each electoral province wins a seat in the House of Commons.
3. Provincial elections are held based on the electoral laws and practices of each province, which vary in electoral systems, election dates and voting processes.
Challenges of One Country One Election
The term of Lok Sabha is five years, but it can be dissolved even before that. In such a situation, one country one election will not be possible.
Just like Lok Sabha, the term of Vidhan Sabha is also five years and it can also be dissolved before five years. Now in such a situation, the challenge before the government will be how to maintain the order of one country one election.
Bringing all the parties of the country together on one country one election will be the biggest challenge, because all the parties have different views on this.
It is believed that one country one election will benefit the national party, but the regional parties will have to bear the brunt of it. That is, they will be harmed.
At present, Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha elections are held separately in the country, due to which there is a limited number of EVMs and VVPATs, but if one country one election is held, then there will be more demand for these machines simultaneously, which will be a big challenge to fulfill.If simultaneous elections are held, then additional officers and security forces will be needed. In such a situation, this will also be a big challenge