Jamili Elections: A Feasible Idea or a Pipe Dream?

Jamili Elections: A Feasible Idea or a Pipe Dream?

Jamili elections, also known as simultaneous elections or One Nation – One Election, is a proposal to hold elections for the Lok Sabha, state assemblies and local bodies at the same time. The idea was first mooted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2016, who argued that it would save time, money and resources, and ensure better governance and policy continuity. The proposal has also received support from the Election Commission of India, the Law Commission of India and some political parties.

However, the idea of jamili elections is not without its challenges and criticisms. Some of the major issues that need to be addressed are:

• Constitutional and legal amendments: To implement jamili elections, several constitutional and legal provisions need to be amended or repealed. For instance, Article 83 of the Constitution, which specifies the duration of the Lok Sabha and state assemblies, would have to be amended to synchronize their terms. Similarly, Article 172, which empowers the Governor to dissolve the state assembly, would have to be amended to prevent premature dissolution. Moreover, the Representation of the People Act, 1951, which regulates the conduct of elections in India, would have to be amended to incorporate provisions for jamili elections.
• Political consensus: Jamili elections require a broad political consensus among all the stakeholders, including the central government, state governments, political parties and civil society. However, achieving such a consensus is not easy, as different parties have different interests and opinions on the issue. Some parties may oppose jamili elections because they fear losing their regional identity or influence. Some parties may support jamili elections because they hope to gain from the popularity or charisma of their national leaders. Some parties may be indifferent or ambivalent about jamili elections because they do not see any clear advantage or disadvantage for them.
• Practical difficulties: Jamili elections pose several practical difficulties in terms of logistics, security and voter awareness. For instance, conducting jamili elections would require a huge amount of manpower, material and infrastructure to manage multiple ballot papers, EVMs and VVPATs. It would also require a high level of security and coordination among various agencies to ensure free and fair elections. Moreover, it would require a massive campaign to educate and inform the voters about the different levels and issues of governance involved in jamili elections.
• Impact on federalism and democracy: Jamili elections may have an adverse impact on the federal structure and democratic principles of India. For instance, jamili elections may undermine the autonomy and diversity of the states by imposing a uniform electoral cycle on them. It may also reduce the accountability and responsiveness of the elected representatives by diluting their focus on local issues and concerns. Moreover, it may distort the electoral outcomes by creating a bandwagon effect or a national wave in favour of or against a particular party or coalition.

In conclusion, jamili elections are a complex and controversial issue that require a careful and comprehensive analysis of its pros and cons. While jamili elections may have some potential benefits in terms of efficiency and stability, they also have some serious drawbacks in terms of feasibility and desirability. Therefore, before taking any decision on jamili elections, it is important to consult all the stakeholders, respect the constitutional provisions and uphold the democratic values of India.