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Debate: Simultaneous Elections in India - Coggle Diagram
Debate: Simultaneous Elections in India
What are simultaneous elections?
Currently, elections to the state assemblies and the Lok Sabha are held separately
The terms of Legislative Assemblies and the Lok Sabha do not synchronize with one another.
Simultaneous polls in India
India had the system for first two decades.
Premature dissolution of the Assembly led to mid-term elections ex. Kerala (1960)
Later reorganization of States on various basis
End of the era:
Fourth Lok Sabha constituted in 1967 was dissolved prematurely in 1971
Constitutional and Statutory Provisions
Article 83(2)
of the Constitution provides for 5 year Lok Sabha term
Article 172 (1)
provides for a similar tenure for the State Legislative Assembly
Making this possible
Multiple constitutional amendments
Amendments to the Representation of People’s Act
Avoiding premature dissolution
President Rules like terms for Lok Sabha too
Why Simultaneous Elections?
Efforts saving
in Electoral rolls
in duplication of work
in Security and logistics
Governance pause can be avoided
Help reduce campaign expenses
For high voters turnout
EVM related expenses can be minimized
Exceptions to this debate:
Local Bodies’ Elections
Arguments against
It would result in arbitrarily curtailing or extending the term of state legislatures
Deployment of security forces in large numbers
Artificial cycle of elections restricts the choice for voters
Chaos of national issues over state concerns
Diminished accountability of politicians
Way forward
Adequate legal safeguarding place to avoid mid-term dissolution
Provisions to the effect that for a ‘no-confidence motion’ led dissolution
Constructive ‘vote of confidence for alternative government to continue with the tenure.