On Thursday, a group created by the government suggested that India hold simultaneous elections for state legislatures and the national parliament. The report claimed that this would boost inclusion and transparency while also promoting better governance and economic growth.
Days before a date for the election is anticipated to be announced, the panel—which was established by the government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in September—sent its report to President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday.
The forthcoming elections, which must take place by May, would not be impacted by the study since a “one nation, one election” law must be approved by parliament and ratified by the states, many of which are governed by Modi’s opponents and have resisted the proposal on the grounds that it goes against India’s federal system.
Polls for the 28 state assemblies are dispersed once their five-year mandates conclude, but almost one billion people are eligible to participate in the general elections.
The group, chaired by former president Ram Nath Kovind, stated that “asynchronous elections cause uncertainty and instability, thwarting supply chains, business investments, and economic growth.”
The nine-member panel said that their research showed that simultaneous polling increased real GDP growth, whereas simultaneous polling decreased it.
In India, simultaneous elections were once commonplace; however, a disruption to the cycle some decades ago led to the implementation of the present staggered system.
The group suggested that, as a first step, elections for state legislatures and the lower house of parliament be held simultaneously, with state assembly mandates being shortened or lengthened to coincide with parliamentary elections.
In the second phase, local elections, including those for village councils and municipalities, would take place within a hundred days after state and federal elections.
In order to guarantee that politicians are focused on governance rather than campaigning, Modi and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which is in power, have advocated for the combination of state and federal elections. This would also help reduce the expense of organizing polls in the nation with the largest population.
I am a dedicated student currently in my seventh semester, pursuing a degree in International Relations. Alongside my academic pursuits, I am actively engaged in the professional field as a content writer at the Rangeinn website.