How does the 'One Nation One Election' concept affect India's federal structure
Speakers at a democracy convention believe that 'One Nation One Election' undermines India's federal structure.
- 'One Nation One Election' concept refers to the synchronization of all elections in India – from panchayat to parliament – to be held simultaneously.
- This concept aims to bring efficiency and reduce election-related costs, but it has implications for India's federal structure.
- The federal structure of India is based on the principle of decentralization of power, with states having their own legislative and executive authorities.
- By synchronizing all elections, the concept undermines the autonomy of state governments, as they will have to align their schedules with the central government.
- It may lead to a dominance of national issues and parties in state elections, thereby diluting regional voices and concerns.
- The concept may also favor larger and better-resourced political parties, hindering smaller or regional parties from effectively participating in multiple elections simultaneously.
- Furthermore, the diversity of India, including regional disparities and socio-economic variations, necessitates separate election cycles to address particular regional issues and aspirations.
- A unified election system could also lead to a single-party dominance at both the national and state levels, limiting the role of alternative voices and checks on power.
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