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VOL. 8, ISSUE 1 (2026)
Reassessing simultaneous elections in India: Issues, challenges and prospects
Authors
Anjali Chauhan
Abstract
Elections are a crucial part of any democratic political system. It
allows citizens to exercise their political rights and hold responsible
government. For sustaining democracy and fair exercise of voting rights, a
transparent and fair electoral system must be maintained. Articles 324 to 329
of the Indian Constitution lays down a system which ensures conducting
elections in a fair, independent, and credible way [1]. India has
periodically introduced electoral reforms in the past but the most recent electoral
reform, under debate in contemporary times is “One Nation, One Election”
(ONOE), or simultaneous elections, which would involve holding elections to the
Lok Sabha and all State Assemblies together. Though India also practiced this
system until 1967 but soon the cycle was disrupted by premature dissolutions of
assemblies, resulting in asynchronous voting (HCL, 2024).The paper involves
understanding the evolution of simultaneous election in India. Syncronised is
practised in other countries like South Africa, Sweden, United Kingdom,
Philippines etc (kumar, 2025). Since these countries vary in institutional and
political structure they have significant variation in its outcomes as well.
Therefore the paper examines the 'One Nation, One Election’ proposal in the
context of India’s constitutional and federal framework. The proposal puts
several constitutional amendments therefore it would analyse the constitutional
and legislative challenges involved in its implementation. Due to its several
implications and feasibility, the proposal had triggered nationwide
debatewhich, it has attracted both support. The paper analyses the
constitutional, democratic and federal implications and how simultaneous
elections affect centre state relations and autonomy of states. Political
scientists and policy experts believe that simultaneous elections could reduce
election expenditure, increase voter turnout, ease the burden of frequent polls,
and allow governments to focus on long-term policymaking rather than continuous
campaigning for political gains therefore the paper also involves examining
these claims regarding the administrative efficiency and governance outcomes
associated with simultaneous elections.The paper is based on secondary data
Including books. journal articles etc
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Pages:33-38
How to cite this article:
Anjali Chauhan "Reassessing simultaneous elections in India:<i> </i>Issues, challenges and prospects". International Journal of Sociology and Political Science, Vol 8, Issue 1, 2026, Pages 33-38
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