Two bills related to the “One Nation, One Election” initiative have been introduced in the Lok Sabha. They are
- Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill, 2024
- Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024.
These bills aim to synchronize the terms of the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies, paving the way for simultaneous elections across the country.
Key Provisions of the Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill, 2024
Insertion of New Article 82A:
- Simultaneous Elections: Mandates the Election Commission of India (ECI) to conduct general elections for both the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies (SLA) simultaneously.
- Term Synchronization: Aligns the tenure of all SLAs with the full term of the Lok Sabha.
Amendment to Article 83:
- Unexpired Term Definition: Specifies that if the Lok Sabha is dissolved before its five-year term, the period between the date of dissolution and the scheduled end of the term is deemed the “unexpired term.”
- Mid-Term Elections: In case of early dissolution, mid-term elections will be held, and the newly elected Lok Sabha will serve only for the remaining unexpired term.
Amendment to Article 172:
- Provides a similar definition of unexpired term and full term for State Legislative Assemblies.
Key Provisions of the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024
This bill seeks to amend the Union Territories Act, 1963, the National Capital Territory of Delhi Act, 1991, and the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization Act, 2019, to:
- Synchronize the tenure of Union Territory Legislative Assemblies with the schedule for simultaneous elections of the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies.
Significance
The “One Nation, One Election” initiative aims to reduce the frequent cycle of elections in India, minimizing disruptions to governance and administrative activities. The proposed synchronization will ensure:
- Enhanced Governance: Lesser interruptions due to the model code of conduct.
- Cost Efficiency: Reduction in electoral expenses.
- Improved Focus: Governments can concentrate on development rather than continuous election campaigning.
Read More: Joint Parliamentary Committee – One Nation, One Election Bills