What could be the long-term effects of implementing simultaneous elections on Indian democracy and federalism?

Simultaneous elections refer to holding elections to the Lok Sabha and all State Legislative Assemblies at the same time, every five years. This proposal has been discussed to reduce the frequency of elections, administrative costs, and election-related disruptions. However, implementing such a system could have various long-term effects on Indian democracy and federalism.

• Impact on Federalism:
  • Simultaneous elections may weaken the autonomy of states, as the central and state electoral cycles would be synchronized, possibly reducing the scope for states to exercise independent mandates.
  • It could lead to a “one nation, one election” sentiment, which may undermine the federal spirit by centralizing political discourse and priorities.
  • State-specific issues may get overshadowed by national-level campaigns, affecting the representation of regional aspirations.
• Democratic Representation and Accountability:
  • Voters may find it difficult to distinguish between national and state issues, leading to the dominance of national parties and personalities.
  • Frequent elections currently ensure regular accountability of elected representatives; reducing this frequency could lower responsiveness to public needs.
  • Mid-term dissolutions and by-elections, which are a feature of parliamentary democracy, may become more complicated to handle.
• Political and Administrative Effects:
  • Simultaneous elections could reduce policy paralysis and the imposition of the Model Code of Conduct, allowing smoother governance.
  • It may lead to cost savings in terms of election expenditure and administrative resources.
  • However, it may also require constitutional and legal amendments, and the logistical challenges of organizing such large-scale elections could be significant.