What are the benefits of simultaneous elections?

• Stability in governance. This was mentioned in the 117th report on Reform and Electoral Laws (1999) by the Law Commission of India.
• It would reduce the massive expenditure estimated at around Rs.4,500 crore.
• Reduce policy paralysis, as imposition of Model Code of Conduct (MCC) puts on hold the entire development programme and activities. If all elections are held in one particular year, it will give a clear four years to the political parties to focus on good governance.
• Simultaneous election could reduce the type of manpower and resource deployment necessary for the conduct of elections.
• Reduce public holidays and increase polling numbers

What are the challenges in implementing simultaneous polls?

• Federal Character: India has a federal structure and a multi-party democracy this distinction gets blurred somewhat when voters are made to vote for electing two types of government at the same time, at the same polling booth, and on the same day. Assembly elections are fought on local issues and, in the true spirit of federalism, parties and leaders are judged in the context of their work done in the state. Clubbing them with the general election could lead to a situation where the national narrative submerges the regional story. This could mean a regress for the federal character of the polity, which is best avoided.
• Voter behaviour: There is a tendency among the voters to vote for the same party both for electing the State government as well as the Central government.
• In Conflict with constitutional and democratic process: in a parliamentary system responsibility is given more importance than stability. When parties lose majority in states or in centre it would not be possible to hold off elections until the next fixed election schedule.
• In conflict with Basic structure of constitution of India

Way forward

Simultaneous election would be a step forward but with the existing realities of coalition governments and multiparty politics existent in India it could be farfetched imagination. This move could also contradict with the steps taken by our constitution makers for a responsible and accountable government rather than a stable one. There is a need for more urgent measures to increase voter participation, reduce money and muscle influence in elections, regulating funding of elections to make it more transparent and participative  etc  

Source: The Hindu