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.
we should have one person can stand in one constituency. The person who is standing in election should have minimum degree. These are basis and of course simultaneous elections both in centre and state level is always welcome. Reduces expenses and wastage of time.
This simultaneous elections discussions are of prime importance. For sure we appreciate that someone is thinking about this after 60 years of independence. I strongly recommend that during the next session of parliament this must be included as on of the important point for discussions & all political parties should put forward their respective view points. The main point is this will bring biggest ever reform in Indian democracy.Each government then will get a fair chance.
Dear Sir,
It is an excellent idea to have national and state elections together
1.This would reduce cost of election campaining, security measures, counting and other activities.
2.There are high chances that whichever party is doing good will be elected both national and state elections - thus making it majority in both the houses. Will be easier to pass bills.
3.If we can include some scheme benefits for voting it will encourage people to vote. Also, use of Aadhar can be improvised.
Sir, I am Anand Chitale, from Chiplun, Maharashtra. Holding simultaneous elections for Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha is a best idea. Reforms in election systems are needed, I think this could be the first step in this direction. Like GST Bill, all political parties be convinced, and let the simultaneous elections be held in 2019.
With technology it is possible now to organize 3 tier election in one go. Government should also consider raising seats in parliament and assemblies. Even a uniform criteria can be maintained for reorganization of constituencies. Runner ups in elections can be also adjusted by creating another house.
I think that Electoral reform in India is vital . Simultaneous voting for Vidhan Sabha and Lok Sabha will be a great time saver for the country. In addition we should consider
1. Charter of Budget Honesty
2. Funding and Capping of Elections
3. Transparency of Sources of Funding
4. Limitation on Number of consecutive terms from same seat (for example 4)
5. Requirement of A independent publishing of Report Card the Work done by Each MP and MLA in Parliament and In constituency
PM Sir, Only you can take this bold step and get all political parties to accept simultaneous elections. Only a very small minority will be opposed to this step. The people on India will be willingly accept this move. What is needed is the political will to acumen to get all the political parties to agree to this. All the best Sir - and I am your big FAN.
respected sir iam tamilnadu willing to tourist bus in tamilnadu but rule route bus owners only operating tourist busses so high range of hiring their please arrange all of operating tourist bus kerala is best but tn very worst bus service
