What challenges might arise in implementing simultaneous elections across India, and how could these be addressed?
Gita Gopinath supports the idea of simultaneous polls but mentions logistical challenges. I want to analyze what specific obstacles exist and what strategies might help overcome them.
Simultaneous elections refer to holding elections to the Lok Sabha and all State Legislative Assemblies at the same time. While this idea aims to reduce election expenditure and policy paralysis, its implementation faces several practical and constitutional challenges.
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1. Constitutional and Legal Challenges:
- Current terms of State Assemblies and Lok Sabha do not coincide, requiring constitutional amendments to synchronize them.
- Amendments to Articles 83, 85, 172, 174, and 356, and changes in Representation of the People Act, 1951, would be necessary.
- Consent of at least half of the states is required for constitutional amendments affecting states.
- States may view simultaneous elections as an encroachment on their autonomy.
- Regional parties may fear loss of identity and dominance of national issues over local concerns.
- Massive deployment of security personnel and polling staff would be needed at the same time across the country.
- Availability of adequate Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and VVPATs for simultaneous polls is a concern.
- Training and coordination of officials on such a large scale is complex.
- Political consensus is difficult as parties in power in states may not want to dissolve assemblies before their term ends.
- Frequent imposition of President’s Rule or dissolution of assemblies due to political instability can disrupt the synchronized cycle.
- Simultaneous polls may blur the distinction between national and state issues, affecting voter choices.
- Smaller regional parties may get overshadowed by larger national parties.
- Phased synchronization: Gradually align the terms of a few states at a time with the Lok Sabha through constitutional provisions.
- Comprehensive legal reforms: Amend the Constitution and relevant laws after wide consultations with all stakeholders.
- Strengthening logistics: Invest in EVMs, VVPATs, and training of officials; deploy security forces efficiently.
- Building consensus: Engage with political parties and state governments to address their concerns and ensure federal cooperation.
- Safeguards for states: Ensure mechanisms to protect the interests of states and regional parties in the new system.
- Contingency plans: Develop protocols for handling mid-term dissolutions and by-elections within the simultaneous election framework.
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