A committee headed by Ram Nath Kovind, focusing on 'One Nation One Election', has suggested having a single electoral roll and electoral Photo Identity Cards (EPIC) for elections at all three levels of government.

The high-level committee presented its recommendations to President Draupadi Murmu on Thursday. It proposed a two-step strategy for conducting simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha, state assemblies, and local bodies.

In the first phase, the committee recommended that elections for the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies occur at the same time. This would then be followed by the second phase, where elections to Municipalities and Panchayats would take place within 100 days.

Additionally, the Committee recommends that if elections result in a hung parliament and a vote of no confidence leads to the dissolution of the house, new elections should be conducted. These elections would determine the government for the remaining duration of the five-year term.

This approach aims to streamline the electoral process, making it more efficient and unified across the nation.

According to the committee's findings, in scenarios where new elections are conducted for State Legislative Assemblies, the newly formed Legislative Assembly should, unless dissolved earlier, continue until the conclusion of the Lok Sabha's current term. This suggestion ensures a synchronicity in the electoral cycle of both the national and state levels, promoting a more coordinated governance structure.

To implement these changes, the committee has outlined the need for a Constitutional Amendment Bill. This bill would necessitate modifications to Article 83, which deals with the Duration of Houses of Parliament, and Article 172, concerning the Duration of State Legislatures. Importantly, the committee notes that this amendment would not require ratification by the states, simplifying its adoption process. This step is pivotal in aligning the legislative frameworks with the proposed electoral reforms.

The committee's approach to formulating its recommendations has been thorough and considerate of India's constitutional fabric. By examining the existing constitutional framework, the committee has strategically devised its suggestions to ensure they align with the Constitution's spirit. This careful consideration ensures that the proposed changes would necessitate minimal amendments, preserving the essence of the Constitution while enhancing the electoral process.

Finally, after extensive discussions and analysis, the committee confidently asserts that its recommendations, once implemented, will significantly improve various aspects of the electoral process. These enhancements include increased transparency, inclusivity, and ease for the voters, ultimately boosting their confidence in the electoral system. The committee's thoughtful and detailed recommendations mark a significant step towards electoral reform in India, aiming to foster a more efficient, unified, and democratic electoral process.

According to the committee, conducting elections at the same time for different levels of government will not only streamline the development process and enhance social cohesion but also strengthen the democratic foundations of the country. This, in turn, is expected to better realize the aspirations of the nation, known as Bharat.

In a significant step towards electoral reform, the Kovind-led committee presented its comprehensive report to President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan earlier today. This report, focused on the 'One Nation One Election' initiative, marks a pivotal moment in the consideration of this electoral reform.

Spanning an extensive 18,626 pages, the committee's report is the culmination of thorough consultations, expert opinions, and detailed research conducted over 191 days since its establishment on September 2, 2023. This exhaustive process underscores the meticulous approach the committee has taken to ensure a well-rounded examination of the proposal for simultaneous elections.

The committee boasts a distinguished panel of members, including Amit Shah, the Union Minister of Home Affairs and Minister of Cooperation; Ghulam Nabi Azad, the former Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha; NK Singh, the former Chairman of the 15th Finance Commission; Subhash C Kashyap, the former Secretary General of the Lok Sabha; Harish Salve, a Senior Advocate; and Sanjay Kothari, the former Chief Vigilance Commissioner. Additionally, Arjun Ram Meghwal, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for the Ministry of Law and Justice, participated as a Special Invitee, with Dr. Niten Chandra serving as the Secretary of the high-level panel.

This diverse committee engaged in extensive consultations to gather a wide range of perspectives on the proposal. Notably, 47 political parties were invited to submit their views and suggestions on the matter. Out of these, a substantial majority, totaling 32 parties, expressed their support for the concept of simultaneous elections. These discussions were not superficial; many political parties engaged in in-depth dialogues with the committee, reflecting the significance of this proposed reform and the varied opinions within the political landscape.

In an ambitious move to gauge public opinion on the 'One Nation, One Election' concept, a public notice was issued across newspapers in all states and Union territories of India. The response was overwhelming, with 21,558 citizens sharing their views. Remarkably, 80% of these respondents voiced their support for simultaneous elections, highlighting a strong public consensus in favor of this electoral reform.

To further enrich the committee's understanding and ensure a comprehensive evaluation of the proposal, an array of legal experts was consulted. This included four former Chief Justices of India and twelve former Chief Justices of major High Courts, alongside four former Chief Election Commissioners of India, eight State Election Commissioners, and the Chairman of the Law Commission of India. These experts were invited for direct interactions with the committee, providing an invaluable depth of knowledge and perspective. Additionally, the views of the Election Commission of India, a key stakeholder in this process, were specifically sought to ensure a well-rounded analysis.

The committee's approach to understanding the implications of simultaneous elections extended beyond the legal domain. Apex business organizations such as the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI), the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM), and numerous eminent economists were consulted to assess the economic impacts of the current asynchronous election system. These stakeholders presented a unanimous view on the economic benefits of moving towards simultaneous elections, highlighting the detrimental effects of staggered electoral cycles on the economy. They pointed out how intermittent elections contribute to inflation and economic slowdown, adversely affecting the nation's growth trajectory.

Moreover, the discussions revealed that the current practice of holding elections at different times has negative repercussions not just on economic parameters but also on the quality of public expenditure and various societal outcomes, including education. The fragmented electoral schedule was also cited as a factor disrupting social harmony, underscoring the multifaceted benefits of transitioning to a unified electoral process.

In September of the previous year, the central government took a significant step by establishing a high-level committee to thoroughly examine the 'One Nation, One Election' initiative. Tasked with making recommendations for implementing simultaneous elections throughout the country, this committee's formation marked a critical point in India's journey towards potentially transformative electoral reform. Through its extensive consultations and research, the committee aimed to lay down a roadmap that could lead to more efficient, economically sound, and socially cohesive electoral practices in India.

In Case of Hung House, Fresh Elections Can Be Held to Elect New House for Rest of the Term: Kovind Committee Report on One Nation One Election

The Kovind Committee, tasked with exploring the feasibility of 'One Nation One Election', has laid out a recommendation for scenarios where a hung parliament occurs. According to the committee, led by former President Ram Nath Kovind, if a no-confidence motion results in the dissolution of the House, it proposes that fresh elections should be conducted. These elections would then determine the government for the remaining portion of the five-year term, ensuring that the democratic process remains uninterrupted and responsive to the electorate's will.

Further detailing its recommendations, the committee suggested a specific protocol for the tenure of the House of the People (Lok Sabha) in the event of such fresh elections. The newly elected House's term would only extend for the remainder of the previous House's full term. Upon the expiration of this period, the House would be automatically dissolved. This recommendation aims to maintain the integrity and scheduled cadence of electoral cycles, even in the face of political uncertainty.

Expanding on its vision for a synchronized electoral process, the committee also recommended that elections for Municipalities and Panchayats align with those for the House of the People. By conducting simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies in a first step, and then holding local body polls within 100 days in a second step, the committee believes that a more cohesive and efficient electoral system can be achieved. This broad synchronization, however, would necessitate ratification by no less than one-half of the States, requiring a collaborative effort across India's political landscape to bring about such significant electoral reform.

After thorough and comprehensive discussions, the committee dedicated to the 'One Nation One Election' initiative has reached a decisive conclusion. It believes firmly that the recommendations it has put forward will significantly improve the transparency, inclusivity, ease, and confidence of voters across India. This positive outcome would mark a substantial advancement in the way elections are conducted, ensuring that every citizen's vote is more meaningful and impactful.

The committee has highlighted the widespread support for conducting simultaneous elections, noting its potential to accelerate the development process and enhance social cohesion. Such a unified approach to elections is expected to strengthen the very foundations of India's democratic framework and fulfill the long-standing aspirations of the nation, known as Bharat. This acknowledgment of broad-based support underscores the committee's confidence in the positive changes its recommendations can bring about.