NEW DELHI: The union cabinet approved the ‘One nation, One election’ policy, which intends to simultaneously conduct Parliament and assembly elections every five years. The rule will also apply to panchayats. The recommendation for ‘one nation, one election’ came from the committee headed by former president Ram Nath Kovind. The bill will be presented in the winter session of the parliament in November.

It is still unknown whether the rule will be implemented as the roadblocks are many, which cannot be surpassed by obtaining a majority in both houses. There should be amendments in five administrative departments and require a two-thirds majority in both houses of parliament. A two-thirds of the legislative assemblies must also approve the move.

Political parties including Congress, Trinamool Congress, Aam Aadmi Party and left parties have publically opposed the move while BSP supported the policy.

Constitutional sections requiring amendment

# 83 – Tenure of Parliament

# 85 – Joining the Parliament session

#172 – Term of Legislatures

#174 -Dissolution of Legislatures

# 356 – Introduction of President’s Rule

• In case of a hung house, fresh elections will be held, and the new government will continue only for the unexpired term.

• If the Prime Minister or Chief Ministers are expelled in a no-confidence vote, a new leader should be proposed to avoid re-election. That leader should get a vote of confidence immediately.

• If the assemblies are dissolved early, elections will be held only to form the government for the remaining period.

Advantages:

• Huge financial savings for the government in preparations including deployment of personnel and security forces.

• Political parties can save campaign expenses

• The code of conduct comes into force many times when elections are held unevenly. This will stymie welfare activities and development schemes of both Center and the state governments.

• Polling will increase when there is a single election. Uneven election schedules can cause voter fatigue.