Election At One Time

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s suggestion that elections to the Lok Sabha, Vidhan Sabha and local bodies should be held simultaneously has brought to centre stage an issue that has been raised intermittently, for years. Leaders of several parties also raised the issue, leading to a Parliament committee examining it. The idea is good in principle but seems fraught with constitutional issues and administrative problems.

Why it is need

Time wastage
Frequent elections bring to a standstill normal functioning of the government and life of the citizens. Typically, elections to the Lok Sabha are spread over two and a half months. As soon as the Election Commission announces the poll dates, the model code of conduct (MCC) comes into operation. This means that the government cannot announce any new schemes, make any new appointments, transfers or postings without EC approval. Ministers get busy in the election campaign, the district administration machinery gets totally focused on elections. So, almost election in every year in states leads to less administrative and development work.
High Cost
The cost, is a major issue. The costs of election have gone up enormously. It has two components — the cost of management to the EC/ government. And the cost to candidates and political parties. One time election will cut the huge cost for both the election commission and political parties.
Negative forces become active throughout election
Another consequence of frequent elections is the aggravation of vices like communalism, casteism, corruption (vote-buying and fund-raising) and crony capitalism. If the country is perpetually in election mode, there is no respite from these evils.

Why it is not feasible or needed

Check on politicians
Politicians, who tend to forget voters after the elections for five years have to return to them regularly to fight elections. This enhances accountability, keeps them on their toes.
Boost to economy
Elections give a boost to the economy at the grassroots level, creating work opportunities for lakhs of people.
Improve quality life
There are some rigorous enforcement of public discipline like non-defacement of private and public property, noise and air pollution, ban on plastics, etc.
Separate national and domestic issue
In voters’ minds, local issues overtake wider state and national issues. So, separate election for state and centers will not distort voters mindset, and they can be more decisive on their priorities.
Constitutionally impossible
Constitutionally it will be impossible to implement this mandate. According to this mandate, if, for example, the central government falls, all state assemblies have to be dissolved too. This would, however, disturb the mandate of those governments.
High security arrangement
To implement this step, EC will need five times the Central armed police force that is currently provided, which means instead of 700-800 companies, the EC will then need 3,500 companies.

Other solution

According to Report of the standing committee on law and justice , The committee suggests a two-phase poll, with States divided into two groups. One for which elections would be in the middle of the current Lok Sabha (16 States) and another where elections will be held at the end of the current Lok Sabha (19 States). By this process, at least half the States in India will have polls alongside Lok Sabha polls, and the rest in the middle of that term

Conclusion

To held election at one time have several positive aspect , but at the same time it has some hurdles too. There can be the alternative solution to this demand. First solution could be the handling of elections at one time by increasing the strength of state machinery.. The other possible and desirable action is to cut the role of money power in elections. It requires two things: Putting a cap on political party expenditure and state-funding of political parties (not elections), with a simultaneous ban on all private, especially corporate, funds . Also, By accepting the suggestion of standing committee on law and justice could also be the one of alternative solution to this issue.

By: Vishal