Question

Do you think ‘One Nation, One Election’ can improve the efficiency of the electoral process? Divide the class and discuss into two groups one to examine its potential advantages and the other to analyse its limitations.

Answer 1

Group 1: Potential Advantages

• Reduces election expenses for the government and political parties.
• Saves time and resources used repeatedly for conducting elections.
• Reduces the frequent enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct, allowing governments to focus on development work.
• Reduces the repeated deployment of security forces and government employees.
• May encourage greater political stability and policy continuity.

Group 2: Possible Limitations

• It may be difficult to synchronise elections if a government loses its majority before completing its term.
• State-level issues may receive less attention when elections are held together with national elections.
• It could create greater logistical and administrative challenges for the Election Commission.
• Smaller or regional parties may find it difficult to compete with national parties at the same time.
• Frequent elections also allow voters to hold governments accountable at different levels.