New Delhi: The concept of simultaneous polls has been advocated by former bureaucrat and economist N.K. Singh, who is a member of the high-level committee on ‘One Nation, One Election’. Singh believes that holding simultaneous elections will have a positive impact on the Indian economy by reducing uncertainty in planning and decision-making, as well as minimizing populism.
According to Singh, the frequent occurrence of elections in India can disrupt the governing process and slow down decision-making and project implementation. He pointed out that elections take up a significant number of days due to the enforcement of the model code of conduct, leading to nearly 250-300 days of election-related activities in some states. This constant electoral cycle can divert attention away from development towards managing electoral affairs.
Additionally, Singh highlighted that frequent elections often result in an increase in populist expenditure, which may not always be productive. He noted that there is a shift towards revenue expenditure over capital expenditure, affecting the quality of public spending.
The recent approval of the ‘One Nation, One Election’ proposal by the Union cabinet signals a move towards aligning elections for various levels of government, including the Lok Sabha, state assemblies, municipalities, and panchayats. The proposed amendments to the Constitution aim to synchronize these elections in phases, starting with the Lok Sabha and state assemblies, followed by municipal and panchayat elections within 100 days.
While there is support for the proposal, some opposition parties have raised concerns about its feasibility. Singh acknowledged that consensus-building among political parties is crucial, especially when it comes to amending the Constitution and obtaining ratifications from states for local body elections.
A research paper co-authored by Singh and Dr. Prachi Mishra suggests that harmonizing electoral cycles can lead to higher real GDP growth and lower inflation. The paper posits that simultaneous elections can result in increased public spending, particularly on capital projects, and higher overall investment, contributing to economic growth.
In light of India’s recent economic slowdown, the potential benefits of holding simultaneous elections on GDP growth and inflation are significant. As the proposal moves towards parliamentary discussions and potential implementation, it remains to be seen how stakeholders will navigate the challenges and opportunities associated with this reform.
