The concept of simultaneous elections is not new to India, the government stated in an explainer released on December 17, ahead of the introduction of bills proposing such elections. The government noted that after the adoption of the Constitution, elections to the Lok Sabha and all state assemblies were held simultaneously from 1951 to 1967.
The first general elections to the Lok Sabha and state assemblies took place together in 1951-52, and this practice continued for the next three general elections in 1957, 1962, and 1967. However, the synchronised election cycle was disrupted in 1968 and 1969 due to the premature dissolution of some state legislative assemblies.
The Fourth Lok Sabha was also dissolved prematurely in 1970, with fresh elections held in 1971. Unlike the first three Lok Sabhas, which completed their full five-year terms, the Fifth Lok Sabha’s term was extended until 1977 under Article 352 due to the declaration of Emergency.
Since then, only a few Lok Sabha terms, including the eighth, 10th, 14th, and 15th, have lasted the full five years. Other terms, such as the sixth, seventh, ninth, 11th, 12th, and 13th, were dissolved early. State assemblies have experienced similar disruptions. Premature dissolutions and term extensions have been recurring challenges, the government noted.
These disruptions have interrupted the cycle of simultaneous elections, leading to the current practice of staggered election schedules across the country.
Citing a report by the high-level committee on ‘one nation, one election’, the government explained that simultaneous elections would promote consistency in governance.
“Due to the ongoing cycle of elections in various parts of the country, political parties, their leaders, legislators, and both state and central governments often focus their efforts on preparing for upcoming elections rather than prioritising governance,” the explainer stated, referencing the rationale for simultaneous elections as recommended by the panel led by former president Ram Nath Kovind.
Adopting simultaneous elections would refocus the government’s attention on developmental activities and policy implementation aimed at promoting the welfare of the people, the government added.
(With PTI inputs)