Constitutional Amendments Necessary To Implement "One Nation, One Election": BCI Chairperson Submits Suggestions To High-Level Committee

The Chairman of the Bar Council of India (BCI), Manan Kumar Mishra, has forwarded a detailed set of recommendations to the High-Level Committee on the prospect of "One Nation, One Election" (ONOE). The proposals encompass a spectrum of legal and administrative transformations required for the efficacious implementation of simultaneous elections for central and state governments.

Key Legal and Administrative Transformations Proposed:

1. Constitutional Amendment:

The BCI underscores the necessity for a constitutional amendment to synchronize the tenures of state assemblies with that of the Lok Sabha. This involves modifications to key articles such as Article 83, 85, Article 172, 174, and 356 of the Indian Constitution, aligning the terms of state legislatures with the Lok Sabha.

2. Empowerment of Election Commission:

Enhancing the resources and authority of the Election Commission of India is deemed imperative for managing logistics and executing simultaneous elections. A potential restructuring of the Election Commission is suggested to bolster its capabilities in handling the increased workload and complexity.

3. Electoral Laws:

Amendments to the Representation of the People Act, 1951, and other electoral statutes are deemed indispensable. The proposed changes include provisions for coordinated polling schedules, uniform campaign periods, and expenditure limits for both parliamentary and state elections.

4. Political Funding Reforms:

To ensure equitable electoral practices, substantial reforms in political funding and campaign finance laws are recommended. Transparent procedures governing political funding and expenditure are seen as critical to preserving the integrity of the electoral process.

5. Administrative Preparedness:

Comprehensive administrative readiness is considered paramount for the seamless execution of simultaneous elections. Meticulous coordination between Union and state governments is advocated for aspects such as security measures, polling station management, deployment of election personnel, and logistical requisites.

6. Public Awareness and Voter Education:

The BCI emphasized the need for extensive public awareness initiatives and voter education campaigns. These endeavors are viewed as vital to nurturing a high voter turnout and ensuring an informed electorate participating in the electoral process.

Advantages of Simultaneous Elections:

The BCI also outlined several advantages associated with the concept of "One Nation, One Election":

1. Cost-Efficiency: Simultaneous elections reduce election-related expenditure significantly, streamlining resources for a comprehensive electoral event.

2. Administrative Efficiency: The consolidation of election-related tasks minimizes the diversion of administrative personnel and resources, allowing for focused governance.

3. Continuous Governance: Aligning central and state government terms ensures stable and continuous governance, reducing policy inconsistency.

4. Voter Convenience: Simultaneous elections reduce voter fatigue by allowing citizens to cast their votes for all representatives at once.

5. Decentralization of Power: Empowering regional parties to focus on local issues and development.

6. Greater Policy Focus: Encouraging long-term planning and strategic governance.

7. Reduction in Security Concerns: Mitigating challenges associated with frequent deployments.

The BCI letter mentioned, "The advantages of simultaneous elections encompass financial efficiency, streamlined administration, stable governance, voter convenience, empowerment of regional parties, greater policy focus, and a reduction in security concerns. The consolidation of electoral Avents emerges as a multifaceted solution to several challenges inherent in the current staggered election system."

The BCI letter acknowledged constitutional challenges and proposed measures to address potential issues such as overemphasis on national issues, the influence of national trends, and the need for regional autonomy.

In conclusion, the BCI asserted that the vision of "One Nation, One Election" holds immense potential for the nation, offering advantages that can significantly contribute to the overall progress and coherence of the electoral system.

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