Insights on the Constitutionality of ‘One Nation One Election
Is One Nation One Election Constitutional? A Deep Dive into Federalism and Electoral Security
The proposal for One Nation One Election (ONOE)—simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies—has reignited a national debate. While the idea promises administrative efficiency and cost reduction, it raises serious constitutional concerns.
Historical Context and Recent Developments
India followed a synchronized election model until 1967. However, premature dissolutions of state assemblies in 1968–69 disrupted this pattern. Since then, ONOE has been revisited by the Law Commission, NITI Aayog, and a High-Level Committee chaired by Ram Nath Kovind, whose 2024 report recommended 15 constitutional amendments to institutionalize the model.
Key Constitutional Concerns Raised
Dr. Sindhujaa Iyengar, in her address at the Prelude Conference on ONOE, outlined two major constitutional violations:
Violation of Human Rights and Federalism
- Democracy is rooted in the Theory of Choice, where consent must be freely given and revocable.
- ONOE risks making state consent irreversible, undermining federal autonomy.
- Example: Karnataka’s 2024 withdrawal of general consent for CBI investigations illustrates the importance of state flexibility.
Threat to National Security via Electoral Integrity
- Electoral Security is a form of non-traditional national security.
- ONOE could centralize electoral power, weakening federal checks and balances.
- The shift from a federal to a unitarian electoral system may set a dangerous precedent.
On Constitutional Amendments
- The Keshavananda Bharati judgment established that the basic structure of the Constitution, including federalism, is unalterable.
- ONOE’s proposed amendments risk diluting this basic structure, making them void ab initio.
While ONOE may offer logistical benefits, it poses significant risks to India’s federal democracy, constitutional integrity, and electoral security. Any move toward its implementation must involve extensive consultation with states and a reaffirmation of democratic principles.