One Nation, One Election: Decoding the Kovind Panel Report & The Road to 2029

Introduction

As India approaches the latter half of the decade, the debate on “Simultaneous Elections” has shifted from mere political rhetoric to a concrete constitutional roadmap. The High-Level Committee (HLC) chaired by former President Ram Nath Kovind has laid the groundwork for synchronizing the electoral cycles of the Lok Sabha, State Assemblies, and Local Bodies. For UPSC aspirants, understanding the constitutional mechanics of this proposal is far more important than the political arguments.

The Core Proposal: A Two-Step Implementation

The Committee has recommended a phased transition to ensure minimal disruption to the existing federal structure:

1. Phase 1 (The Synchronization): Conducting elections for the Lok Sabha and all State Legislative Assemblies simultaneously.

2. Phase 2 (The 100-Day Rule): Holding elections for Municipalities and Panchayats within 100 days of the General Elections.

Key Constitutional Recommendations

To operationalize this, the Committee has suggested 18 specific amendments to the Constitution and other statutes. The most critical ones for your examination are:

• Article 82A (Proposed): The President will issue a notification on an “Appointed Date.” The tenure of any State Assembly constituted after this date will end with the expiry of the Lok Sabha’s term, ensuring synchronization.

• Article 324A (Proposed): Empowers Parliament to make laws ensuring that elections to Municipalities and Panchayats are held simultaneously with the General Elections.

• Article 325 (Amendment): Creation of a Single Common Electoral Roll and a Single Elector’s Photo Identity Card (EPIC) for all three tiers of government. This aims to eliminate duplication between the ECI (Election Commission of India) and SECs (State Election Commissions).

• The “Unexpired Term” Concept: If a House is dissolved prematurely (e.g., due to a no-confidence motion), fresh elections will be held only for the remainder of the term (“unexpired term”), ensuring the cycle does not break again.

The Ratification Question

A crucial point for GS Paper II (Federalism):

• No Ratification Needed: Amendments related to synchronizing Lok Sabha and State Assemblies (Phase 1) do not require ratification by states.

• Ratification Mandatory: Amendments related to Local Bodies (Phase 2) and the Single Electoral Roll will require ratification by at least 50% of State Legislatures as they affect the federal powers of states.

Why It Matters for UPSC 2025

• Economic Impact: The report cites research suggesting simultaneous elections could boost GDP growth by reducing the “policy paralysis” caused by the frequent Model Code of Conduct (MCC).

• Voter Turnout: Synchronized elections are projected to significantly increase voter participation and reduce “voter fatigue.”

• Federal Concerns: Critics argue this may overshadow regional issues with national narratives and undermine the autonomy of state politics.