Today, the Lok Sabha witnessed the introduction of a significant bill related to the One Nation, One Election policy. With this, an important question arises: if a state government collapses before completing its tenure, how will this policy be implemented? Let’s explore the provisions outlined in this bill to address such scenarios.
Bill Presented by the Union Law Minister
On Tuesday, Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal tabled the One Nation, One Election bill in Parliament. This move follows the Union Cabinet’s approval of the proposals on December 12. While the bill has now been introduced, a key concern is how elections will be conducted if a state government fails to complete its term under this new system.
Provisions for Mid-Term Elections
The bill includes several provisions, one of which specifically addresses scenarios where a government collapses due to a no-confidence motion or other reasons. In such cases, mid-term elections will be held in the concerned state. However, the tenure of the newly elected assembly will only last until the next scheduled Lok Sabha election.
The Election Commission has also been directed to ensure that all necessary preparations, including the availability of EVMs and VVPATs, are completed in advance to facilitate smooth elections under this framework.
Key Proposals in the Bill
The bill outlines the following important points:
- Tenure Adjustment for Mid-Term Elections: In case of Lok Sabha or state assembly dissolution, mid-term elections will be conducted for the remaining period of the five-year term.
- Articles Amended: The bill proposes changes to Articles 82(A), 172, and 327 of the Constitution.
- Article 82(A): Facilitates simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies.
- Article 83: Defines the tenure of Parliament’s houses.
- Role of the President: After the general elections, the President will announce the schedule for simultaneous elections.
Implementation Timeline
It is worth noting that the 2029 Lok Sabha elections will be conducted as per the existing framework. The “One Nation, One Election” system is expected to be fully implemented only after these elections.
This comprehensive approach aims to address potential challenges and streamline the electoral process for simultaneous Lok Sabha and state assembly elections.
