One Nation, One Election: Impact on Federalism, Challenges, and the 2034 Roadmap

What is ONOE?
A proposal to synchronize Lok Sabha, State Assembly, and local body elections across India, reducing frequent polls.

Arguments For & Against
Pros:
Cost reduction (estimated ₹4,000 crore savings per election cycle).
Minimized policy paralysis during election seasons.
Reduced burden on security forces and administrative machinery.
Cons:
Federalism Concerns: Undermines states’ autonomy; regional issues may get overshadowed by national narratives.
Practical Hurdles: Premature dissolution of assemblies (e.g., no-confidence motions) disrupts synchronicity.
Legal Complexity: Requires constitutional amendments impacting Articles 83, 172, and 356.

Historical Context
1952–1967: First 3 LS and state elections were simultaneous.
Post-1967: Misaligned due to premature dissolutions and hung assemblies.
Past Attempts: EC recommended ONOE in 1983; Kovind Committee (2023) drafted current Bills.


Current Developments
2034 Timeline: Joint Parliamentary Committee (Chair: PP Chaudhary) confirmed ONOE’s earliest implementation by 2034.

Key Proposals:
Constructive No-Confidence Motion: Inspired by Germany—opposition must prove majority while moving no-trust vote.
Constitutional Amendment: Adding Part XVA to enable synchronized polls (22nd Law Commission’s draft).
Federal Safeguard: Committee asserts ONOE won’t violate federalism (citing SR Bommai v. Union of India).

Global Examples
South Africa, Sweden: Hold national and provincial elections together.
Germany: Uses “constructive no-confidence” to maintain government stability.
 

Sample Q&A for GS II (UPSC Focus)
Q: How does ONOE impact India’s federal structure?
A: Critics argue it centralizes electoral authority, diluting states’ autonomy. Proponents claim it streamlines governance without altering legislative powers.
Q: What is a “constructive vote of no-confidence”?
A: A mechanism requiring legislators to propose an alternative government while moving a no-confidence motion (prevents premature dissolution).
Q: Which Supreme Court case upheld federalism as a basic feature of the Constitution?
A: SR Bommai v. Union of India (1994).
Q: When were elections last held simultaneously in India?
A: 1967 (before frequent dissolutions disrupted the cycle).
Q: Which constitutional body recently drafted a “Part XVA” for ONOE?
A: The 22nd Law Commission (Chair: Justice Ritu Raj Awasthi).