Abstract

The proposal of One Nation, One Election (ONOE) has re-emerged as a significant electoral reform debate in India, aiming to synchronize elections to the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies. This paper revisits the idea through the lens of the High-Level Committee on One Nation, One Election chaired by Ram Nath Kovind. Drawing on the Committee’s report, constitutional provisions, and comparative democratic practices, the study critically examines the rationale, feasibility, and implications of implementing simultaneous elections in India’s federal polity. The paper argues that while ONOE promises administrative efficiency, cost reduction, and policy continuity by minimizing the frequency of elections and the repeated enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct, it also raises serious constitutional, political, and democratic concerns. These include challenges to federalism, the autonomy of states, the principle of representative accountability, and the risk of centralization of political power. By engaging with the Committee’s recommendations, stakeholder responses, and judicial interpretations, the paper highlights the need for broad political consensus, constitutional amendments, and institutional safeguards. The study concludes that electoral reforms such as ONOE must balance efficiency with democratic pluralism, ensuring that reforms strengthen rather than dilute India’s democratic foundations.

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