New Delhi: Narendra Modi government has approved the report from the Ram Nath Kovind-led panel on holding simultaneous elections across the country. The report of the high-level panel on 'One Nation, One Election' was placed before the Union Cabinet today, Sept 18.
Formed by former President Kovind, the panel submitted its recommendations in March, prior to the Lok Sabha elections. Reviewing this report was a key part of the law ministry's 100-day agenda.
The committee proposed conducting simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and state Assemblies as a first step, followed by synchronized local body elections within 100 days. It also recommended establishing an 'Implementation Group' to oversee the execution of these recommendations.
The panel argued that simultaneous elections would conserve resources, boost development, enhance social cohesion, and strengthen democratic foundations. It also proposed creating a unified electoral roll and voter ID cards by the Election Commission of India (ECI) in collaboration with state election authorities.
Currently, the ECI manages Lok Sabha and Assembly elections, while state election commissions handle local body elections, such as those for municipalities and panchayats.
To implement these recommendations, the panel suggested up to 18 constitutional amendments. Most of these amendments will not require state Assembly ratification, but some changes, like those related to a single electoral roll and voter ID card, will need approval from at least half of the states.
In addition, the Law Commission is expected to release its own report on simultaneous elections soon. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been a strong advocate for this approach. The Law Commission's report is anticipated to recommend simultaneous polls for all government tiers—Lok Sabha, state Assemblies, and local bodies—starting in 2029 and include provisions for a unity government in the event of a hung house.
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