The Law Commission of India is actively working on a comprehensive formula to facilitate the conduct of simultaneous elections for both state assemblies and the Lok Sabha, starting from 2029. This endeavor seeks to enhance efficiency in the electoral process, curtail expenses, and simplify the voting experience for citizens.
Sources within the Law Commission have disclosed that the objective is to synchronize all state assembly elections with the Lok Sabha polls by adjusting the tenure of legislative assemblies. The proposal aims to ensure that voters only visit polling booths once to cast their ballots for both elections.
As part of this ambitious initiative, the Law Commission is also devising a mechanism to establish a unified electoral roll for Lok Sabha, state assemblies, and local bodies. This integrated approach aims to reduce redundancy and the extensive use of manpower for what is currently an almost identical exercise conducted separately by the Election Commission and state election commissions.
While the Law Commission’s report on simultaneous polls is still in the works and some issues remain unresolved, the intention to harmonize electoral schedules is clear. The Commission, led by Justice Ritu Raj Awasthi, is committed to ensuring a seamless and cost-effective electoral process, minimizing the burden on both authorities and voters.
It’s worth noting that the government has already established a high-level panel to explore the feasibility of simultaneous elections for Lok Sabha, state assemblies, and local bodies. There is a possibility that the Law Commission’s mandate could be expanded to include the third tier of elections, namely local body polls, in line with the recommendations of this high-level committee.
One of the proposals under consideration is to conduct the three-tier elections in two phases each year. In the first phase, Lok Sabha and assembly polls would take place, followed by local body elections in the second phase. This pragmatic approach accounts for India’s diverse climatic conditions.
The concept of simultaneous elections garnered significant attention in August 2018 when the previous Law Commission endorsed the Modi government’s proposal. It argued that holding such elections would prevent the country from being in a constant state of electioneering. However, it also emphasized the need for further public discourse and constitutional framework adjustments before making a final decision.
In April 2018, the law ministry had tasked the Law Commission with examining the feasibility of simultaneous elections to Lok Sabha and state assemblies. The ongoing efforts to streamline the electoral calendar demonstrate a commitment to enhancing the democratic process in India.
Sources By Agencies
