• UGI USER
  • Jun 25, 2024
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ONE ELECTION, ONE PHASE

Syllabus:

GS 2:

  • Elections in India  and related reforms ,
  • Election Commission of India

Focus:

The debate over transitioning India to single-phase elections has gained prominence due to concerns over logistical complexities, security risks, and the need for electoral efficiency amidst modern challenges like social media influence and voter accessibility.

Source: TH

The Logic of Multi-Phase Elections

  • Questioned approach: The logic of multi-phase elections has increasingly come under scrutiny, particularly in the context of modern challenges like climate change and social media.
  • Historical rationale: Initially, multi-phase elections were justified for the protection of lives — of voters and polling staff — amidst widespread violence and political pressures.
  • Current challenges: Recent elections, such as the seven-phase election held in extreme temperatures, raised significant concerns about practicality and voter safety.
  • Political and media critique: Almost all political parties and media outlets have criticized prolonged elections for their logistical challenges and voter fatigue.
  • Commission’s acknowledgment: Even the Chief Election Commissioner acknowledged the need for shorter election durations to mitigate risks and enhance efficiency.

Evolution of Election Processes

  • Historical context: During the introduction of multi-phase elections, violence and electoral malpractices were rampant, necessitating phased deployment of security forces.
  • Peaceful elections: This measure initially ensured peaceful elections but faced criticisms in recent years due to the rapid spread of misinformation and hate speech via social media.
  • Impact of social media: The explosion of social media has drastically altered electoral dynamics, facilitating the rapid dissemination of fake news and divisive rhetoric.
  • Technological revolution: The proliferation of internet users and social media platforms has exponentially increased the reach and influence of electoral content.
  • Lack of transparency: Studies have shown significant shortcomings in transparency and accountability regarding sponsored political content on social media platforms.

Ensuring Peaceful Elections

  • Effective measures: The Election Commission has introduced vulnerability mapping and legal actions against troublemakers to ensure safe polling stations.
  • Arms control: Campaigns to seize illegal arms and surrender licensed firearms have contributed to reducing electoral violence.
  • Execution of warrants: Improved execution of non-bailable warrants against criminals has minimized their influence during elections.
  • Legal provisions: Existing laws such as IPC Sections 295A, 153A, 499, 505, and 506 are invoked to control hate speech, cyber crimes, and electoral malpractices.
  • Implementation emphasis: The prompt and thorough implementation of these laws is crucial to maintaining peace and integrity during elections.

Moving Towards Single-Phase Elections

  • Logistical feasibility: A general election can be feasibly conducted in a single phase with the availability of sufficient paramilitary forces.
  • Resource utilization: Consolidating elections into a single phase would optimize resource allocation and reduce campaign expenditures.
  • Political efficiency: Shortening election durations would minimize disruptions to governance and normal public activities.
  • Mitigating misinformation: A single-phase election would curtail the spread of misinformation and divisive campaigning over prolonged periods.
  • Leadership concern: Addressing concerns expressed by leaders about the economic costs and operational disruptions caused by prolonged elections.
Understanding One Nation-One Election (ONOE):

  • Concept: ONOE proposes simultaneous conduct of all State elections alongside the Lok Sabha elections once every five years.
  • Objective: Streamline electoral processes, reduce election frequency, and save time and resources.

Background:

  • Origin: Proposed by the Election Commission in 1983; simultaneous elections were the norm in India until 1967.
  • Historical Context: Initial simultaneous elections were held in 1951-52, followed by cycles in 1957, 1962, and 1967.
  • Disruption: Disrupted in 1968-69 due to premature dissolution of Legislative Assemblies and in 1970 due to Lok Sabha dissolution.

Simultaneous Elections Elsewhere:

  • South Africa: National and provincial legislature elections every five years; municipal elections two years later.
  • Sweden: National legislature, provincial legislature, and local bodies elections every four years on fixed dates.
  • Britain: Fixed-term Parliaments Act, 2011 for stability; elections held every fifth year on specified dates.

Challenges in Transitioning to Single-Phase Elections

  1. Logistical Complexity: Consolidating elections into a single phase poses significant logistical challenges, including the deployment and management of large-scale paramilitary forces across diverse geographical regions.
  2. Voter Accessibility: Ensuring equitable access to polling stations and voting facilities for all eligible voters, particularly in remote and conflict-prone areas, remains a critical challenge.
  3. Security Concerns: Concentrating elections in a single phase increases security risks, necessitating robust measures to prevent violence, intimidation, and electoral malpractices.
  4. Political Consensus: Achieving consensus among political parties and stakeholders on transitioning to single-phase elections may be challenging, given varying interests and concerns.
  5. Technological Integration: Leveraging technology effectively to manage voter registration, polling booth logistics, and real-time monitoring across a vast country like India requires substantial infrastructural upgrades.
  6. Media and Communication: Managing media coverage and communication strategies to ensure balanced reporting and prevent the spread of misinformation during intensified electoral periods is crucial.
  7. Public Awareness: Educating voters about the revised election schedule and ensuring their participation in a single-phase format requires robust civic engagement and outreach efforts.
  8. Legal and Institutional Readiness: Strengthening legal frameworks and institutional capacities to handle increased workload and scrutiny during a compressed election timeline is essential.

Way Forward for Implementing Single-Phase Elections

  1. Pilot Projects: Conduct pilot projects in select states to test the feasibility and iron out operational challenges of single-phase elections.
  2. Stakeholder Consultation: Engage political parties, civil society organizations, and electoral experts in discussions to build consensus and address concerns.
  3. Technology Adoption: Invest in advanced electoral technology for voter registration, polling station management, and result dissemination to enhance efficiency and transparency.
  4. Strategic Deployment: Develop strategic deployment plans for paramilitary forces and security personnel to ensure comprehensive coverage and rapid response capabilities.
  5. Legal Reforms: Introduce legislative reforms to streamline electoral laws, enhance enforcement of election-related offenses, and strengthen accountability mechanisms.
  6. Public Awareness Campaigns: Launch extensive voter education campaigns to inform citizens about the benefits and process of single-phase elections.
  7. Monitoring and Evaluation: Establish robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to assess the effectiveness of single-phase elections and address emerging challenges.
  8. International Best Practices: Draw lessons from countries successfully conducting single-phase elections and adapt relevant best practices to the Indian context.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the transition to single-phase elections presents formidable challenges, including logistical, security, and political considerations, it offers substantial benefits in terms of operational efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and enhancing democratic integrity. Strategic planning, stakeholder consensus, and technological innovation are crucial for successful implementation.

Source:The Hindu

Mains Practice Question:

Discuss the challenges and potential benefits of transitioning India from multi-phase to single-phase elections. How can these challenges be addressed, and what strategies should be adopted to ensure a smooth transition while maintaining electoral integrity?

Associated Article:

https://universalinstitutions.com/navigating-the-path-of-one-nation-one-election/

Youtube:

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.youtube.com/watch%3Fv%3DUHVIc9FY7mk&ved=2ahUKEwiDsfL5h_aGAxWQTGwGHRXpBTgQtwJ6BAgeEAE&usg=AOvVaw2_34ATAh1ajp6czdr1dudP