INTERIM UNITY GOVT, COMMON VOTER LIST: LAW PANEL READIES REPORT ON SIMULTANEOUS POLLS

Why in the news?

The Law Commission’s recommendations for simultaneous polls, common voter lists, and an interim unity government aim to streamline the electoral process and address governance challenges.

source:researchgate

Highlighting Law Commission’s Recommendations for Simultaneous Polls:

  • The Law Commission proposes three key Constitutional amendments for simultaneous elections.
  • 22nd Law Commission, led by ex-Karnataka High Court Chief Justice Ritu Raj Awasthi, suggests inserting a new chapter, Part XXA, in the Constitution.
  • Current election provisions in Part XV to be amended to accommodate simultaneous polls at various levels.
What is the Common Electoral Roll?

●   Common Electoral Roll integrates voter lists for Lok Sabha, Vidhan Sabha, and other elections.

●   Some states use Election Commission of India’s (EC) rolls for local body elections; others maintain separate rolls.

●   EC conducts national and state elections, while State Election Commissions oversee municipal and panchayat polls independently.

About Articles 243K and 243ZA:

●   Articles 243K and 243ZA pertain to panchayat and municipality elections in states, granting State Election Commissions (SEC) authority over electoral roll preparation and election conduct.

●   Proposed amendment aims to mandate a unified electoral roll for all elections nationwide.