NEW DELHI: The government is set to introduce the One Nation, One Election (ONOE) Bill during the ongoing Parliament session, according to several media reports citing sources. The proposal, which aims to synchronise elections across the country, is seen as a significant reform to reduce the time, cost, and resources expended under the current staggered electoral system.
According to sources, the Cabinet has already approved the recommendations of the Ram Nath Kovind-led committee on simultaneous elections. The government is now focused on building consensus for the bill, with plans to refer it to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) for detailed deliberation. The JPC is expected to engage with political parties, state assembly speakers, and even solicit public opinion, although the methods for public involvement are yet to be finalised.
Implementing the ONOE framework will require extensive constitutional amendments, including the passage of at least six bills with a two-thirds majority in both Houses of Parliament. While the NDA enjoys a simple majority in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, achieving the required numbers for constitutional amendments poses a challenge.
In the Rajya Sabha, the NDA holds 112 seats but needs 164 for a two-thirds majority. Similarly, in the Lok Sabha, the coalition’s 292 seats fall short of the 364 required. The government’s strategy may hinge on mobilising support from non-aligned members and securing a favourable turnout during voting.
The Opposition has consistently criticised the proposal, describing it as impractical, undemocratic, and unconstitutional. They argue that the logistical and operational challenges of simultaneous elections could disrupt governance and weaken federal principles.
Despite the criticism, the government has maintained that the current system hampers development due to the frequent enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct before elections.
The Kovind Committee‘s report has advised initiating a national dialogue before implementing the ONOE proposal. The report also suggests that, realistically, such a reform could only be rolled out after 2029, given the complexities involved.
With the introduction of the bill on the horizon, all eyes are on whether the government can navigate the political hurdles to achieve consensus on this landmark electoral reform.