The desirability of holding simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabhas has been discussed at various levels. A considered view is that simultaneous elections will ...
The desirability of holding simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabhas has been discussed at various levels. A considered view is that simultaneous elections will not only keep alive the enthusiasm of voters, but will also result in huge savings to the public exchequer as well as avoiding repetition of administrative effort. It is also expected to control the expenses of political parties. Simultaneous elections will also avoid repeated enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct which affects administrative actions by the government.
President of India, His Excellency Shri Pranab Mukherjee has also expressed his views on the desirability of holding simultaneous elections. Speaking at a recent function, The President said that “With some election or the other throughout the year, normal activities of the government come to a standstill because of code of conduct. This is an idea the political leadership should think of. If political parties collectively think, we can change it.... The Election Commission can also put in their idea and efforts on holding the polls together and that will be highly beneficial”
Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has spoken several times on considering the feasibility of holding simultaneous Lok Sabha and state assembly elections. In two recent TV discussions, the Prime Minister reiterated this idea and invited a national debate on the issue.
Debate on the Issue - A Brief History
In India, simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha (House of The People) and Vidhan Sabhas (State Legislative Assemblies) were organized in the years 1951-52, 1957, 1962 and 1967. Thereafter, however, the schedule could not be maintained and the elections to the Lok Sabha and the Vidhan Sabhas have still not been realigned.
The next General Election to the Lok Sabha is scheduled for 2019. Elections for the Vidhan Sabhas of 5 States are scheduled for 2017, for 13 States in 2018, for 9 States in 2019, for 1 State 2020 and the remaining are scheduled for 2021.
The issue of simultaneous elections was debated by the Law Commission in its 107thReport in 1999 (Reform of Electoral Laws) , where in it was mentioned that – “The rule ought to be one election once in five years for Lok Sabha and all Legislative Assemblies” ( Para 7.2.1.1 of the Report). Recently, Parliamentary Standing Committee on Personnel, Public Grievances, Law and Justice presented its 79th Report on ‘Feasibility of holding Simultaneous Elections to the House of People (Lok Sabha) and State Legislative Assemblies’ on 17th December 2015.
Several structural changes will need to be done in case a decision is made to conduct simultaneous election, including possibility of Constitutional amendments to Articles 83, 172, 85 and 174 to streamline the process.
Seventy Ninth Report Parliamentary Standing Committee for PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES, LAW AND JUSTICEMyGov Discussion
MyGov invites citizens, Parliamentarians, Members of Legislative assemblies and councils, constitutional experts, academics experts, bureaucrats, social media influencers, Think Tanks and all other interested people to give their considered view on the subject. The issues that can be considered while formulating a view are (only an indicative list and not exhaustive):
1. Is it desirable to hold simultaneous elections? What are the pros and cons?
2. If simultaneous elections are held, then for the first time what happens to assemblies whose scheduled tenure either ends before or after the proposed date of holding elections?
3. Should the term of Lok Sabha and assemblies be fixed?
4. What would happen in case by-elections are necessitated in between terms?
5. What happens in case the ruling party or coalition loses majority in between term, either in Lok Sabha or in State assemblies?
You may submit your opinion by either writing in the comment box below, or by attaching a PDF document, or through a Youtube video.
The last for submitting your opinion is 15th October, 2016.
Here in our country still there is cast based residential areas...like separate colonies showing clear effect in people's life..y we should divide it like this?? To ERADICATE this unofficial racism we have to empower the Nation..educate the COUNTRYSIDE..People should aware of all things means people should think open..all should wear a broad mind. in such way GOVT. should work..our bureaucrats should plan some schemes plzzz. ThankYou.
Yes both the elections must be conducted at a time, Now in changing scenarios and advance technology no need to go for scattered election. First & foremost is the development of the country which can be achieved with it and its long lasting effects on developmental programs and its implementation by the states.
Certainly desirable, but all dimensions to tackle executive problems need to be delved into and sorted out. Farming sector has much variability to determine voters turn out. Expenditure can be reduced with door-to-door voting rather than booths. Time schedule and procedure can be fixed for left out voters. Problem of mid-term polls has to be tackled with measures to ensure min. period of allegiance by a member to a party in the house. Min. qualifications of candidates need to be prescribed.
Yes Its very beneficial, and very much needed. To curb media hipocrocies during elections to defame the nation's image. Also for the good of the people to get along with proactive works. Also to eradicate full time chelas of political parties to do other better works instead of just party works.
According Dr. BRAmbedkar written election terms its good to accmodate as per schedule. Thus. no other means of acts can be made ca.didates and voters to have routs.
Sir HAPPY ONAM simultaneous elections is a good decision as it saves the money and time.But this requires consensus of states as some states assemblies will have their term shortened.
Holding simultaneous election is very good Idea...
but it will increase pressure on security during election.
My Opinion is little different...Loksabha elections should be held on same date and after a gap of six months all Vidhan sabha elections should be held..
Also need to work on member having criminal background, those people should not be allowed in a temple of democracy
PROS-
-saving of money and time.
-less trouble to voters, who otherwise have to go for voting in elections held every year.
-better use of election machineries.
-elections time will be fixed. Political parties can better prepare to fight elections.
-Misuse of money, liquor etc will come down if elections held simultaneously.
-election commission will get ample time between two election to increase other activities like attracting voters, improving voting facilities.
