Ram Nath Kovind Panel Submits Recommendations on ‘One Nation, One Poll’

The high-level committee, chaired by former president Ram Nath Kovind, has reportedly proposed amendments to at least five articles of the Constitution to facilitate the implementation of simultaneous elections across the country. The comprehensive report spans 18,626 pages.

Established in September 2023, the Kovind-led committee on ‘One Nation, One Poll’ was tasked with assessing and providing suggestions for conducting simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha, state assemblies, municipalities, and panchayats. Since its formation on September 2 last year, the committee claims to have engaged with stakeholders, consulted experts, and conducted extensive research.

Key Recommendations of the Kovind Panel on ‘One Nation, One Poll’:

1. The panel proposes conducting simultaneous elections for Lok Sabha and state assembly elections as the first step, followed by local body polls within 100 days as the second step.
2. In the event of a hung House or a no-confidence motion, the panel suggests holding fresh polls for the remainder of the five-year term.
3. For the first simultaneous polls, the tenure of all state assemblies can conclude before subsequent Lok Sabha elections.
4. The Election Commission, in consultation with state poll authorities, is recommended to prepare a unified electoral roll and voter ID cards for Lok Sabha, assembly, and local body elections.
5. The panel advocates for the enhancement of equipment, manpower, and security forces to facilitate simultaneous polls.
6. Synchronizing elections for all three tiers of government is believed to enhance the governance structure.
7. Simultaneous elections are projected to accelerate the development process, foster social cohesion, and strengthen democratic foundations.
8. The panel asserts that ‘One Nation, One Election’ will bolster transparency, inclusivity, and voter confidence.

The Kovind-led committee has submitted its report at a time when India’s election commission is expected to announce the schedule for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

In addition to Kovind, the committee comprises members such as Home Minister Amit Shah, former leader of the opposition in the Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad, former chairman of the finance commission N K Singh, former Lok Sabha secretary general Subhash Kashyap, and senior advocate Harish Salve.

Although Leader of the Congress in Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury was designated as a member of the panel, he declined, criticizing the committee as a mere facade.