Question

Write a short essay on Can India have simultaneous elections for both Parliament and state assemblies?(At least 200 words)

Answer 1

With the government aiming to bring the concept, ‘one nation, one election', a Law Commission internal working paper has recommended holding simultaneous election to the Lok Sabha and state assemblies in two phases beginning 2019. While the government is seeking seek the Election Commission's opinion on whether simultaneous election to the Lok Sabha and state assemblies be held in multiple phases beginning next year, the issue has now brought big debate.An analysis of all simultaneous elections to State Assemblies and Parliament between 1999 and 2014 have conclusive evidence that simultaneous elections do have an impact on voter behaviour. These elections comprised 513 million voter choices. In 77% of these constituencies, voters chose the same political party for both State and Centre. When elections were held even six months apart, only 61% chose the same political party.Every time an election is conducted lots of government exchequer is being spent for law and order at the election time, deployment of security forces, procurement of voter machines etc. As per government figures, around Rs 4000 crores was spent in 2014 Lok Sabha elections. So if we go for simultaneous elections we can reduce the money spent. Besides it helps to establish stability politically and economically.Political parties spend significantly on election, when two elections are simultaneously held, expenses on the elections are reduced. According to the report, around Rs 5,500 crore were spent by major political parties in the just-concluded assembly election in Uttar Pradesh alone. The Election Commission of India had allowed Rs 25 lakh per candidate for campaign expenditure, but most of the candidates spent more than that. Print and electronic material, including wide screen projections, video vans and the like put together itself in this election was put at Rs 600-900 crore. Campaign activities include a range of conventional and non-conventional activities. Around Rs 200 crore in UP and over Rs 100 crore in Punjab were confiscated.