Advertisement!
Author Information Pack
Editorial Board
Submit article
Special Issue
Editor's selection process
Join as Reviewer/Editor
List of Reviewer
Indexing Information
Most popular articles
Purchase Single Articles
Archive
Free Online Access
Current Issue
Recommend this journal to your library
Advertiser
Accepted Articles
Search Articles
Email Alerts
FAQ
Contact Us
International Journal of Political Science

Volume  11, Issue 1, Jan-June 2025, Pages 39-46
 

Review Article

Democratic Reforms in India: The One Nation, One Election Model

Kandi Kamala

Minor Project Director, Department of Political Science, Government Degree College for Women (Autonomous) Begumpet, Hyderabad, Telangana, India.
 

Choose an option to locate / access this Article:
days Access
Check if you have access through your login credentials.        PDF      |
|

Open Access: View PDF

DOI: 10.21088/ijops.2454.9371.11125.5

Abstract

India, the world’s largest democracy, has witnessed frequent elections at different levels, leading to significant administrative, economic, and governance challenges. The idea of One Nation, One Election (ONOE) proposes synchronizing elections for the LokSabha and State Legislative Assemblies to streamline the electoral process, enhance governance efficiency, and reduce financial and logistical burdens. This reform has been a subject of debate, with proponents highlighting its potential to ensure stability, policy continuity, and reduced election-related disruptions, while critics argue it may undermine federalism and political diversity. The ONOE model draws from historical precedents, as India initially conducted simultaneous elections from 1951 to 1967. However, the dissolution of some state governments led to staggered elections, disrupting this practice. Over the years, increasing election frequency has resulted in policy paralysis, high expenditure, and governance inefficiencies, prompting renewed discussions on the feasibility of restoring simultaneous elections. From a governance perspective, frequent elections disrupt policy implementation as the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) is enforced, restricting the government from making policy decisions. A unified election cycle could promote policy stability and long-term planning, enabling governments to focus on development rather than short-term electoral gains.
 


Keywords : • Electoral Reforms India • Democratic Reforms • Federalism in India • Voter Turnout Impact • Governance and Stability • Cost of Elections
Corresponding Author : Kandi Kamala,