81 per cent of the 20,000-plus responses received by the High Level Committee led by Ram Nath Kovind on One Nation, One Election have favoured the idea.

Lack of Opposition Engagement

• High Level Committee’s Public Notice: Union Law Ministry states majority favor simultaneous elections among 20,000-plus responses to the High Level Committee’s public notice. Concerns arise about the Committee’s perceived partisanship, led by former president Ram Nath Kovind.
• Committee Composition and Opposition’s Role: Eight members openly support the idea or align with the government’s preferences.
• Scattered Opposition Concerns: Piecemeal responses and lack of coordinated opposition.Thus, Concerns are expressed individually without a unified and comprehensive opposition strategy.

Justification for Simultaneous Elections

• Constant Election Cycle: Frequent elections strain finances; supporters argue for cost efficiency and reduced burden on public resources. Acknowledgment that near-constant elections lead to short-term policy focus, affecting governance continuity.
• Legitimacy and Democratic Structure: Fundamental changes require Opposition engagement; concerns about government’s reluctance to address critical issues.
• Opposition’s Scattered Concerns: Opposition concerns are expressed individually without a consolidated effort to address the broader implications.

Call for Adequate Opposition Engagement

• Transparency and Opposition Concerns: Committee assumes One Nation, One Election is in “national interest”; Opposition calls for unbiased terms.
• Fundamental Change and Democratic Process: Opposition leaders essential in voicing concerns, ensuring transparency, and preventing unilateral decisions. Acknowledgment that a significant shift in democratic structure requires Opposition’s substantive involvement for legitimacy.
• Importance of Opposition’s Voice: Opposition’s voice crucial for a well-rounded discussion and decision-making in matters impacting the electoral process. Opposition should not be relegated to a token role but must actively contribute to the design of elections.