Understanding the Dynamics of Simultaneous Elections in India

Introduction to Simultaneous Elections

In India, simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha (House of The People) and Vidhan Sabhas (State Legislative Assemblies) were conducted in the years 1951-52, 1957, 1962, and 1967. However, the schedule has been disrupted since then due to midterm elections at both levels and differing election cycles.

Justifications for Simultaneous Elections

The rationale for implementing simultaneous elections is multifaceted:

• Cost Reduction: Frequent separate elections incur substantial expenses. By combining Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assembly elections, the financial burden on the exchequer could be significantly reduced.
• Avoiding Model Code of Conduct (MCC): Holding elections frequently leads to the imposition of the MCC, which hampers development programs. Simultaneous elections would limit the duration of the MCC, ensuring smoother governance.
• Minimizing Disruption: Elections can disrupt daily life and essential services. By confining electoral activities to a predetermined period, simultaneous elections would minimize such disruptions.
• Efficient Use of Manpower: Conducting simultaneous elections would allow crucial manpower, often tied up with election duties for extended periods, to be utilized more effectively in other areas.

Challenges of Implementing Simultaneous Elections

Despite the benefits, there are significant challenges associated with simultaneous elections:

• Different issues are at play during state elections and Lok Sabha elections. Merging both could blur priorities and confuse voters.
• Not all elected bodies may complete their full term, necessitating out-of-turn elections, which complicates schedule alignment.
• General elections could result in a hung parliament or assemblies, complicating the feasibility of simultaneous elections.
• In a federal democracy, consensus among all states is essential for such a significant change, which can be challenging to achieve.
• There are five constitutional provisions that require amendments to facilitate simultaneous elections.

Constitutional Amendments Needed

To implement simultaneous polls, amendments to the following Articles of the Constitution are proposed:

• Article 83: Defines the duration of the Lok Sabha, stating that its maximum term is five years from the date of the first meeting.
• Article 85: Pertains to the dissolution of the Lok Sabha by the President, who can dissolve it before the term ends, prompting fresh elections.
• Article 172: Specifies the duration of State Legislative Assemblies, with a maximum term of five years from the first meeting date.
• Article 174: Addresses the dissolution of State Legislative Assemblies, allowing the Governor to dissolve the Assembly prior to the end of its term.
• Article 356: Governs the imposition of President's Rule in states, enabling the President to dismiss a non-compliant state government.

Conclusion

These amendments are essential for synchronizing the terms of both the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies. Currently, various states have different election schedules based on their last Assembly constitution dates. The proposed amendments aim to ensure that both the Lok Sabha and all State Assemblies hold elections simultaneously at the expiration of their respective five-year terms. Moreover, regular elections foster continuous accountability, promoting welfare and development across the states.