Simultaneous Elections

Simultaneous Elections

1. Simultaneous Elections Proposal:

The Union Cabinet has reportedly cleared a proposal for holding simultaneous elections in India.

This recommendation comes from a high-level committee chaired by former President Ram Nath Kovind.

2. Kovind Committee Report:

The committee submitted its report to the government in March, before the announcement of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

The key recommendation is a “one-time transitory measure” to align the electoral cycles of the Lok Sabha and state assemblies.

3. One-Time Transitory Measure:

The government must identify an “appointed date” after a Lok Sabha election.

All state assemblies going to polls after that date will have their terms aligned with the Parliament.

This would ensure simultaneous elections across the country.

4. Second Step:

Municipality and panchayat elections should follow within 100 days of the Lok Sabha and state elections.

5. Premature Dissolution Handling:

To maintain synchronicity in case of the premature dissolution of the Parliament or a state assembly (due to no-confidence motions, hung houses, etc.), fresh elections should be held only for the “unexpired term.”

6. Political Support:

Despite a reduced tally in the Lok Sabha, the NDA government, led by the BJP, has expressed its commitment to implementing simultaneous elections.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah reiterated that the plan would be implemented within the current term of the BJP-led NDA government.

7. Constitutional Amendments:

Implementing simultaneous elections would require Constitutional amendments.

8. Prime Minister’s Call:

In his Independence Day speech, the Prime Minister called for support for the simultaneous election legislation.

These notes highlight the key points of the government’s effort to introduce simultaneous elections and the procedural steps required for its implementation.