Topic: Union and State Legislatures (structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges; issues therein). Salient features of the Representation of People’s Act.
6) Should India opt for ‘One Nation, One Election’? Analyze the feasibility of simultaneous elections in India while assessing the pros and cons. (250 words)
Why this question:
The article is in the backdrop of the demand by the political parties for Simultaneous elections in Kashmir the valley.
Key demand of the question:
The answer should discuss and reveal the need for simultaneous elections in India and the fact that the Election Commission of India (EC) has always favored simultaneous elections for Lok Sabha and Assembly polls, But considering the situations in the country there is an array of argument as to whether elections are to be conducted simultaneously or not.
Structure of the answer
Introduction:
Discuss the context of one nation, one election briefly.
Body:
Discuss – why is the need, what are the advantages of implementing simultaneous elections in terms of massive expenditure;, diversion of security and civil staff from primary duties, impact on governance due to the model code of conduct, and disruption to normal public life etc.
Then bring out the challenges in implementing it along with some demerits of it.
Conclusion –
Conclude with its feasibility as to whether India is ready to embrace such changes.
