Viksit Bharat is not the concept that can be confined in some definitions of economics; rather, it is a vision which is built on the foundation of our golden heritage, whose structure is strengthened by technological advancement and whose nature is blossomed with human values. It is a multi-dimensional field where equality and equity reside. It comprises multiple paths with infinite choices. Either choose one or create one!

One such path is simultaneous elections. This path has three major lanes- administrative, economic and social. Elections are like heart of democracy. Its beating is necessary to rejuvenate democracy and its associated democratic life. But there should be some rhythm. If the heartbeat becomes irregular, it begets multiple complexities. The arrhythmia of elections has created a complex web of interconnected concerns. Let’s have a look at some aspects.

Elections and the Administration

After a few months there will be Bihar assembly elections. In 2026, elections of the Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Assam, Kerala and Puducherry assemblies are lined up. There will be elections for 6 Vidhan Sabhas (State Legislative Assemblies) in 2027, elections for 10 Vidhan Sabhas in 2028 and election, election and elections. Elections will continue. They will not halt, even in the period when there is no election, as people will remain busy in preparation of coming elections. There will be some halts but in developmental activities, implementation of long-term policies, flow of education and employment creation.

‘One nation one election’ not only simplifies democracy, it also gives opportunities to strengthen security forces, administrative personnel, educational environment and federalism. The period of deployment of security forces in elections will be predictable thereby helping future planning and resource utilization. Security forces will not be limited to polling areas every now and then. They will be able to serve the nation as expected without significant deviation from their routine responsibilities. The same applies to administrative personnel in their specific fields. No more postponement, only effective governance.

The recently published Annual Survey of Education Report 2024, though it highlighted some recovery after COVID, many students still lag in foundational literacy and numeracy. Just consider how many hours teachers actually have for teaching. There are some unavoidable duties such as observer in examinations, paper checker etc. But some duties are acting as a burden on our nation builders. There are already many training sessions for our teachers in the name of capacity building. Though some are necessary, they all need coordination and rationalization in terms of timing and frequency. Then, there is election training and actual polling duty. Simultaneous elections can accommodate electoral calendar in the education calendar so that it may not hamper human development. Along with a unified electoral platform, they give a cooperative platform where centre and states can work together fruitfully.

Elections and the Economy

According to the research paper, Macroeconomic Impact of Harmonizing Electoral Cycle, simultaneous elections have the potential to increase real GDP to approximately 1.5% approximately. In FY2024, 1.5% of GDP was about INR 4.5 lakh crore, which is around half of the public spending on health and around one-third of that on education. Avoidable election expenditure can be effectively utilized in infrastructure development, logistical arrangement and human resource development.

Holding elections simultaneously will not only reduce election expenses but will also reduce the inflation rate. It will boost investment by instilling confidence in investors and other stakeholders. The quality of government expenditure will improve by focusing more on capital expenditure and financial prudence.

Elections and the Society

Substantial social cost is also associated with elections. During elections, there is a different enthusiasm, a unique energy that flows in the masses. Anti-national forces try their best to harm social cohesion by diverting the spirit of this energy. A web of lies is woven with the help of artificial intelligence. A different war is fought by weaponizing information. Truth takes time to come. Meanwhile, lies change everything, taking the advantage of their speed and impact. Simultaneous elections can destroy this artificial war field before its significant materialization.

Challenges

At the political level, there is a doubt that holding simultaneous elections may have an adverse effect on all elections. This doubt is not grounded on party lines. Indian voters are intelligent enough to use their rights. If the plans and principles of some parties are promising to fulfill the aspiration of voters, they will have more chance to win. The doubt is more about voter participation. Voter turnout will definitely increase. However, in reducing voter fatigue, many unintended consequences may occur if it is not implemented with care. It may also lead to voter apathy. Think of a situation. You go out to vote and there are 4-5 EVMs in front of you to choose MP, MLA, Mayor and Councilor. Will you search for a candidate in every EVM and cross-check in VVPATs? Or will you consider a single party and vote for it? Or will you blindly press buttons to vote for all levels? Or will you say Akkad Bakkad Bambe Bo Vote Jis Marji Ko Do? Or Eena, Meena, Mina, Mo… Press the Button in One Go?

Our electoral system is a design of our Constitution. Therefore, some amendments are needed before implementing simultaneous elections. These amendments are related to the duration of the houses, cases of hung assemblies, etc. To solve constitutional challenges, the 129th constitutional amendment bill has been brought to Parliament.

Not a New Phenomenon

Do you know that simultaneous elections are not just a thing of the past? No doubt, most elections between 1951-52 and 1967 were held simultaneously. There were some exceptions like the 1955 Andhra State Assembly Elections. But we have some elements of simultaneous elections at present also. Some of you will say that some state assembly elections and general elections are held simultaneously. But these elements are not limited to some states. Every region has some aspects of simultaneous elections and perhaps every voter has some experience of it. Think, are you the one who votes for Mayor and Councilor simultaneously, analyzing different candidates differently and considering the match between local aspirations that you and your desired candidate have? Are you the one who vote for Panch and Sarpanch simultaneously? Are you the one who votes for Panchayat Samiti member and Zila Parishad member simultaneously? Are you the one who has voted in by-elections? What happens if an MP/MLA resigns or dies? Does the new MP/MLA enjoy a fresh 5-year term?

Take a look at Article 243-E (4)

A Panchayat constituted upon the dissolution of a Panchayat before the expiration of its duration shall continue only for the remainder of the period for which the dissolved Panchayat would have continued under clause (1) had it not been so dissolved. There is a similar provision for municipalities in Article 243-U (4).

Solutions

In my opinion, holding simultaneous elections at all levels is neither possible nor desirable. It is the demand of the time that in every five years, election season should be of a fixed period of three to four months, in which elections of the Lok Sabha and all the State Legislative Assemblies should be held simultaneously in different phases and the State Election Commissions should enjoy the freedom to conduct elections as per the specific conditions of their areas in this fixed election season. Simultaneous elections are a necessity of time. Let’s make this vision a reality with an Indian outlook.

There are infinite paths in this Amritkaal; are you the Karmaveer who can tread with infinite zeal?

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