Future Prospects : ‘One Nation , One Election.’(ONOE)

Abstract In a representative democracy, elections are a sacred political exercise. Free and fair elections represent the heart and soul of the representative form of government, serving as a means of communication between the public and the government. Electoral reforms have been a topic of intense debate in contemporary India, particularly over the last decade. The time has arrived for us to examine electoral reforms aimed at enhancing the system, ensuring free and just elections, and providing better representation of the popular will. Currently, the most pressing issues related to elections include the frequency of elections, the requirement for extensive election machinery, and the substantial costs and time invested in the electoral process. To streamline the electoral system and its procedures, radical reforms are essential. The concept of ‘One Nation, One Election’ proposes the simultaneous conduct of elections for the Lok Sabha and all State Legislative Assemblies in India. This initiative aims to reduce election costs, improve governance, and minimize the disruptions caused by frequent polls; consequently, the idea has gained traction in recent years. This concept presents several advantages, such as administrative efficiency and enhanced political stability, but it also encounters significant challenges, including the need for constitutional amendments, federal concerns, and practical implementation issues. A high-level committee has assessed its feasibility, yet political consensus remains a barrier to its implementation. This paper explores the future prospects, advantages, and drawbacks of the ‘One Nation, One Election’ concept and its potential for the future. Keywords Representative Democracy, Elections, Electoral Reforms ,administrative efficiency , committee, future prospects.