Ramnath Kovind Committee on Simultaneous Elections
The High-Level Committee’s report on simultaneous elections is a comprehensive document that addresses various aspects of conducting elections for Lok Sabha, state assemblies, and local bodies concurrently. Here are the key points summarized:
Rationale for Simultaneous Elections:
●Stability in Governance: Simultaneous elections are expected to minimize disruptions and policy paralysis, leading to more stable governance.
●Economic Benefits: Citing research, the Committee suggests that simultaneous elections could lead to higher economic growth, lower inflation, and better quality of government expenditure.
●Cost-Effectiveness and Voter Participation: The approach is seen as a way to reduce election costs and potentially increase voter turnout.
Implementation Framework:
●Constitutional Amendments: The Committee proposes amendments to the constitution to enable the synchronization of elections.
●One-Time Dissolution: As a one-time measure, all state assemblies and local bodies would be dissolved at the time of the next Lok Sabha election to align their election cycles.
●Elections Within 100 Days: Elections for local bodies should occur within 100 days of the Lok Sabha and state assembly elections.
Handling a Hung Legislature:
●Reduced Term Elections: If a legislature becomes hung, new elections should be held for the remaining period of the five-year cycle, ensuring synchronization with the overall election schedule.
State Ratification:
●Parliament and State Assemblies: Amendments related to the terms of Parliament and state assemblies do not require state ratification.
●Local Bodies: Amendments concerning local bodies need to be ratified by at least half of the states.
Single Electoral Roll:
●Unified Electoral Roll:The Committee recommends a single electoral roll to avoid redundancy, overseen by the ECI in consultation with SECs.
●Constitutional Amendment and State Ratification: Implementing a single electoral roll would require a constitutional amendment and ratification by at least half of the states.
Logistical Planning:
●ECI and SECs Coordination:The Committee advises that the ECI and SECs should estimate and plan the logistics well in advance of the rollout.
These recommendations, if implemented, could significantly alter the electoral landscape of India, aiming for a more streamlined and efficient election process. However, they would require careful consideration and consensus-building given the constitutional changes involved
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