Big step towards ‘one country, one election’ in 2029, bill may be presented in the winter session of Parliament

New Delhi: The government is going to take a step forward towards holding simultaneous elections for Parliament and all state assemblies in 2029. It is reported that the government may introduce an enabling bill on ‘One Nation, One Election (ONOE)’ in the winter session of Parliament starting from November 25. The bills will be introduced after talks with the opposition, especially the Congress, and efforts to build a consensus.

Cooperation of opposition parties is necessary

Importantly, taking the constitutional amendments forward will require the support of the opposition and non-NDA parties. Sources indicated that the bills will be introduced along with the report of the Ramnath Kovind-led committee. The committee had recommended ONOE. After the bills are introduced, the government will begin debate in Parliament, but may defer voting until broad consensus is reached.

Ready to bring bill in Parliament

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Monday indicated the government’s intention by saying that Modiji had stressed that simultaneous elections should be held every five years for the development of the country. Based on his/her request, the Kovind Panel was constituted and the report submitted was approved by the Union Cabinet. Now, we are ready to bring the relevant bill in Parliament. he/she said that there is scope for opposition in a democracy, but bills should not be opposed for the sake of opposition.

Rijiju told why the step is necessary

The Union Minister said that there should be a discussion to tell the country why elections should be held simultaneously. The first proposed Constitution Amendment Bill seeks to amend Article 82A by amending Article 83 (term of the Lok Sabha) and Article 172 (term of the State Legislatures). The Kovind panel said this amendment does not require ratification by the states.

Synchronizing local body elections with general elections would require a constitutional amendment to Article 324A by amending Article 325. This would require ratification by the states.