Democracy is the cornerstone of governance, fundamental right, but maintaining it is resource-intensive across the world. Frequent elections in India lead to financial drain, administrative burden, and governance inefficiencies. The proposal for One Nation, One Election (ONOP) aims to streamline the electoral process, reduce policy disruptions, and create a more stable economic and political landscape. While elections are essential for democracy, the recurring cycle hampers long-term planning and economic stability. ONOP presents a viable solution to enhance governance while upholding democratic principles. This article while mentioning the generally accepted issues due to frequent elections also looks into other unstated issues that frequent elections cause and thus underscores why ONOP is so very important. Former President Ramnath Kovind Committee has dealt in depth on this subject and this article aims to deal with the unstated.
Governance Efficiency, due to frequent elections and Model Code of Conduct (MCC) Restrictions
Frequent elections impose governance restrictions due to the Model Code of Conduct (MCC), which limits policy decisions. On average, 75.9% of the total governance time of centre and states, in a five-year cycle falls under MCC restrictions, delaying developmental work. Additionally, frequent elections for polling duties, divert educators, police and security forces,heads of governments,transfer of civil servants, and loss of knowledge for decision making when transferred.This results in a 75% loss of productive time not to mention policy paralysis. ONOP can address these inefficiencies and ensure uninterrupted governance and education. This percentage is ever increasing due increase in security threats and a voter base of 95 Crores.Simultaneous elections reduce security deployment and other costs since votes for different bodies are carired though the same medium, , allowing better allocation of law enforcement resources for national security and development priorities.
Economic Impact: GDP Slowdown Prior to Elections
Frequent elections disrupt industries, particularly those relying on migrant labor. Labor-intensive sectors face uncertainties, leading to decreased productivity. Economic data suggests that GDP growth slows down by approximately 0.20% in the two quarters before elections.
The cumulative absolute GDP loss over three election cycles has been substantial:
- ₹6,000 crore in 2014
- ₹12,500 crore in 2019
- ₹18,000 crore in 2024 This amounts to a staggering ₹36,500 crore on a annualised basis in lost economic potential. Frequent elections amplify economic instability, particularly in coalition governments with narrow majorities.
ONOP can mitigate these fluctuations and ensure sustained economic growth.ONOP minimizes industrial disruptions, fostering a stable business environment and enhancing economic growth.
Inflation and Market Volatility
Frequent elections trigger inflation spikes and troughs due to increased government spending and subsidies. This impacts both the cost of living and investor confidence. Political uncertainty further affects stock markets, destroying investments and retirement savings. ONOP can ensure economic predictability, reducing inflationary pressures and market volatility.
Purchasing Power and Industrial Activity
Post-election periods often witness a surge in manufacturing activity, as evidenced by the rise in the Manufacturing PMI from 56.5 in November 2023 to 57.5 in August 2024. However, recurring elections disrupt business cycles and consumer spending. ONOP can provide a more stable economic environment, benefiting industries and consumers alike.
Impact of Trillion-Dollar State Economies on Global Order
India’s largest states, such as Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, are poised to become economic powerhouses, rivaling countries like Canada and Mexico. These states play a crucial role in global supply chains, foreign direct investment (FDI), and infrastructure development. Deeper integration into global supply chains as a result of :
- Expansion of infrastructure projects, including ports, highways, and green energy grids
- Issuance of state-level bonds competitive with sovereign bonds
- Strengthening of bilateral trade partnerships, similar to China’s province-level agreements
ONOP can enhance economic stability, ensuring consistent policy frameworks that attract global investments.
Historical Precedence and Feasibility
The idea of ONOP is not new to India. Until 1967, Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha elections were held simultaneously, proving its feasibility. However, political instability led to staggered elections. Given advancements in electoral technology and governance frameworks, India can efficiently reintroduce this system. A robust implementation strategy can mitigate logistical and political challenges.
Global Examples
Many countries,including South Africa, Brazil, Nigeria, and Germany, conduct simultaneous elections. Some of these countries use ballot paper for voting.These nations experience fewer election-related disruptions and improved policy continuity. By adopting a similar approach, India can ensure better governance, reduce administrative costs, and enhance democratic efficiency.
Addressing Hyper-Local and State-Specific Issues
A common concern is that ONOP may overshadow local governance issues. However, Panchayat and Municipal bodies with additional mandate and legislative powers will continue to focus on hyper-local concerns, ensuring representation at all levels, thus strengthening cooperative federalism. As a result holding federal and state elections together will allow voters to make informed choices while considering national and regional issues. It has from time to time been proved that the electors can vote for local and national issues with clarity.
Reducing Conflicts Between Center and States
Frequent elections create policy misalignments between the central and state governments, leading to coordination challenges. ONOP ensures better synchronization, enhancing policy implementation and governance effectiveness, since both the governments are in active phase and not in a passive caretaking mode . A unified electoral cycle enables better cooperation between different levels of government, driving holistic development.
Preserving Democratic Mandates and Political Stability
The current ONOP law ensures democratic mandates remain intact even in cases of mid-term dissolutions. The residual method can be employed to maintain five-year terms, preventing unnecessary extension of political instability, when governments are formed based on alliances of convenience, for the sake of being in power.
Making ONOP a reality How?
Public Support and Jan Bhagidari
While, the government is working with the parliamentarians through JPC and on the floor, we can through Jan Bhagidari also play a part. A significant section of the educated and literate population supports ONOP, recognizing its benefits for governance stability. Public participation, or Jan Bhagidari, is crucial in building consensus and engaging citizens with their representatives. Transparent dialogue and awareness campaigns can strengthen public support and facilitate a smooth transition to simultaneous elections.
The Need for Consensus Building
Public Support for ONOP being the primary trigger, Implementing ONOP requires bipartisan support and agreement among key stakeholders, including political parties, state governments, and civil society. It is a common solution to this massive distraction of elections forever. A call of the times! A structured approach similar to the GST Council could help in facilitating discussions between various political parties to ensure transparency, and addressing concerns is key. Achieving political consensus is critical, as constitutional and legislative amendments are necessary for ONOE’s smooth implementation. A collaborative approach will ensure electoral reforms align with democratic principles, while enhancing efficiency.
Enforcing Pre Poll alliances
Currently, pre-poll alliances often lack enforceable agreements, leading to governance uncertainty and fluidity. Transparent and binding pre-poll alliances, with penalties for breaches, can mitigate risks and foster stable governance. The current ONOP law does not deal with this issue, but legislative teeth based on tenets of The contract act, can aid in preventing frequent switches, defections and thus making ONOP even more attractive. Needless to say a complimentary law if needed or with amendment of existing electoral regulations, the election commission will function as a watch dog with necessary adjudicating powers for enforcement, much like any other regulator.This will enhance ONOP as it will reduce withdrawal of support on the floor, potential dissolutions between various state legislatures and the federal parliament ensuring synchronisation of legislative body terms.
Technology-Driven Implementation
Modern technology, including electronic voting systems, makes simultaneous elections feasible. Scalable digital infrastructure can enhance transparency, security, and efficiency in the electoral process. With robust cybersecurity measures and improved electoral logistics, India can seamlessly transition to ONOP.India’s Growing Influence in Global Geopolitics and Geo-economics
Into the Future
As India emerges as the world’s third-largest economy, its electoral process influences global trade and diplomacy. Election outcomes impact:
- Trillion Dollar state GDP
- Multilateral organizations such as G20, BRICS, and Quad
- Global supply chains and trade agreements
- Employment in Global Capability Centers (GCCs)
- Exports of industrial goods and agricultural commodities A stable electoral framework will enhance India’s global standing, reinforcing its leadership in economic and diplomatic affairs.
Conclusion
ONOP is not just about electoral convenience—it is a strategic necessity for political & economic stability, governance efficiency, and geopolitical influence. Implementing ONOP will:
- Reduce governance disruptions and ensure policy continuity
- Strengthen India’s global competitiveness by stabilizing state economies
- Align democratic mandates with long-term national interests
- Minimize economic costs associated with frequent elections
- Enhance India’s leadership in global economic and political forums By aligning electoral reforms with economic and geopolitical realities, India can set a precedent for efficient democracy, ensuring governance that prioritizes national progress. The time to act is now—ONOP is a reform that can transform India’s governance landscape for the better.
It is time that we as voters, citizens, parliamentarians, civil society and politicians act in a bi-partsan manner all in the interest of the Nation-Rashtra Pratham!.
Authored by Aditya Sesh, Founder and MD, Basiz Fund Services
Member-Government of India, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmer’s Welfare Expert Committee on ENWRS