Mandatory Aadhaar linking with Voter Identity Cards to stop Bogus Voting Revaluation idea- Aadhaar biometrics Linking with Voter Machine can brings lots of Transparency in India and save lots of government money
‘Sinister conspiracy to curb rights of states’: Karnataka government to mull resolution against ‘One Nation, One Election’ move
The "One Nation, One Election" (ONOE) initiative is an ambitious proposal by the Indian government to synchronize elections for the Lok Sabha (national legislature) and all state assemblies. The plan aims to reduce the disruptions and costs associated with frequent elections. The proposal has recently gained momentum, with cabinet approval of the report prepared by a committee led by former President Ram Nath Kovind.
Key developments include:
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Legislative Process: The government plans to introduce the ONOE bill in the current or next parliamentary session. The bill will likely be referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) for detailed discussions. Input will be sought from state assembly speakers, political parties, experts, and the public to foster consensus and ensure a transparent process
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Implementation Challenges: Synchronizing elections will require significant constitutional amendments, including changes to at least six laws, and the government would need a two-thirds majority in Parliament to pass them. Furthermore, operational challenges, such as managing logistics for a simultaneous election across the country, remain critical issues
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Political Reactions: The ruling BJP supports the proposal, arguing it will streamline governance and reduce election-related disruptions. However, opposition parties have expressed concerns, citing potential threats to federalism and questioning the feasibility of implementing the plan without compromising democratic processes.
This initiative has sparked widespread political debate and will likely remain a key topic in India's legislative and electoral discussions in the coming months.
The proposal for "One Nation, One Election" (ONOE) in India is a highly debated topic with significant political, constitutional, and logistical implications. Here’s an overview of its benefits, challenges, and current status:
Concept and Historical Context
ONOE aims to synchronize elections for the Lok Sabha, state legislative assemblies, and possibly local bodies. Historically, India held simultaneous elections until 1967, but political instability and early dissolutions disrupted this pattern. Advocates believe aligning election cycles could streamline governance and reduce resource consumption.
Potential Benefits
- Cost Reduction: Conducting simultaneous elections can lower expenditures for the Election Commission, political parties, and the government. For example, the Lok Sabha elections in 2019 alone cost ₹50,000 crore, highlighting the potential savings with a unified electoral process.
- Improved Governance: Frequent elections disrupt governance due to the Model Code of Conduct, limiting new policy implementation. ONOE could foster policy continuity and reduce the influence of short-term populism.
- Increased Voter Turnout: A single electoral event might encourage higher participation, as voters would engage in a consolidated voting process.
Key Challenges
- Impact on Federalism: ONOE risks overshadowing state and local issues with national narratives, marginalizing regional parties and weakening the federal structure.
- Logistical Complexity: Managing elections across India’s vast and diverse regions would require massive resources, including personnel, electronic voting machines (EVMs), and security measures.
- Constitutional Amendments: Synchronization would necessitate amendments to Articles 83, 85, 172, and 356, potentially altering legislative durations and procedures for dissolutions.
- Political Resistance: Achieving consensus among diverse political parties, especially regional ones, is a significant hurdle as they fear losing their distinct electoral space.
Possible Solutions
Some experts suggest a phased or hybrid approach to ONOE, starting with partial synchronization in select states. This would allow policymakers to assess challenges without a complete overhaul. Additionally, reforms like constructive votes of no-confidence could enhance stability while synchronizing election cycles.
Current Status
A high-level committee chaired by former President Ram Nath Kovind is evaluating the feasibility of ONOE, including its constitutional and logistical aspects. However, implementation remains uncertain due to strong political and logistical challenges.
ONOE could transform India’s democratic process, but it requires a careful, phased strategy that balances efficiency with the country’s federal ethos. For more details, you can explore insights from Drishti IAS, LegalOnus, and Lawful Legal.
High-Level Committee relating to holding of simultaneous elections in the country holds preliminary meeting
The High-Level Committee constituted recently vide notification dated 2nd
September 2023 to examine the issue relating to holding of simultaneous
elections in the country and make recommendations thereon held its
preliminary meeting here today under the chairmanship of Shri Ram Nath
Kovind, Former President of India.
References: PMOPG/E/2018/0227837
Reference: PRSEC/E/2018/08129
#LostVotes @timesofindia
पढाई और नौकरी के चलते एक राज्य से दूसरे राज्य में क्या गये 😥 अपने ही घर (देश) में अजनबी हो गये।
क्या हम एक ही देश में हैं???
I moved from one city to another for education, job, career, love. Got it all and lost my right to vote. #LostVotes @timesofindia #itmatters
Am so proud of this @timesofindia campaign. We are taking this nationwide to demand a technological alternative to include voters in the electoral system irrespective of their geographical location, so no one misses casting their vote for physical absence from home. #LostVotes https://t.co/qC3ZnUMoPi
Why doesn’t our vote – the fundamental right to choose our representatives – move with us?
One Nation One Voter Id - linking with aadhar
Every Indian to vote irrespective of where he or she may be temporarily located.
Time to turn these lost votes into votes that count.
Lost Votes
Issue: In the 2014 general elections, 281 million Indians who were eligible to vote – over 18 years of age and with their names in the electoral rolls – did not vote, 281 million not voting isn’t just a few votes lost, it’s more than a whole voting nation lost.
Challenge:
- People are moving work or education.
- Unable to vote as live in a different city.
- could be in a job that keeps Voter on the move every year or two.
- could go for education that keeps voter on the move every year or two
Is it realistic to expect you to deregister yourself in your home town and register where you happen to be temporarily, only to go through the whole process again a year or so down the line?
- People are moving work or education.
- Unable to vote as live in a different city.
- could be in a job that keeps Voter on the move every year or two.
- could go for education that keeps voter on the move every year or two
Thought Supporting :
- our bank's accounts automatically travel with us.
- our mobile phone numbers travel with us.
- Income tax liabilities travel with us.
- Our Aadhaar number remains the same
- NRIs should have the right to vote by proxy.
Why not those voters who are very much in India but just not at the place they are registered in on voting day?
- our bank's accounts automatically travel with us.
- our mobile phone numbers travel with us.
- Income tax liabilities travel with us.
- Our Aadhaar number remains the same
- NRIs should have the right to vote by proxy.
