Law Commission Endorses One Nation One Poll, Says Constitutional Amendment Would Be Necessary
The Law Commission has endorsed the idea of ‘one nation one poll’ in its report while recommending changes to the constitution, Bar and Bench has reported.
Amendments to the constitution are required to curtail or extend the life of state assemblies to implement ‘one nation one poll’, the report said. The recommendation is not applicable to the state of Jammu and Kashmir.
The idea was proposed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to reduce the burden of frequent polls on administration and the public.
The Law Commission had held consultations with prominent political parties before releasing its report. The Congress party which is seen as the main opposition party had opposed the idea of simultaneous elections.
In its recommendations, the report says:
The Commission recommends holding of simultaneous elections to House of the People and the State Legislative Assemblies (except the State of Jammu and Kashmir). Such an exercise will, save public money, help reducing the burden on administrative set up, security forces and ensure better implementation of government policies on time and the administrative machinery of the country will be continuously engaged in developmental activities rather than in electioneeringLaw Commission (Page 118)
The commission has admitted that changes to the constitution will be required to implement the idea. It has explored methods in which the country can implement the idea of ‘one nation one poll’ and come out of the constant ‘election mode’.