India’s cabinet backs one-nation, one-election proposal

INDIA's cabinet has agreed to a proposal to hold simultaneous elections for state assemblies and the national parliament, according to the information minister.

The move, backed by Indian prime minister Narendra Modi, aims to improve governance.

A government-appointed panel had recommended in March that holding elections at the same time across the country would enhance transparency.

The proposal remains controversial and will require parliamentary approval before it can be implemented.

Simultaneous elections would strengthen democracy, said minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, noting that a large segment of India’s youth supports the initiative. He added that the government would seek consensus and consider all legal aspects before proceeding.

India once held simultaneous elections, but the system was disrupted decades ago. This led to the current staggered process, where, on average, five or six state elections are held either simultaneously or separately each year.

Modi and his government have argued that frequent election campaigns distract politicians from governance, increase election costs, and halt new policies due to the election code. They have been advocating for the "One Nation, One Election" plan to address these issues.

The nine-member panel, formed by Modi's government last year, reported that real GDP growth was higher during periods of simultaneous elections compared to when elections were held separately.

Opponents, including some major opposition parties, argue that the plan goes against India’s federal structure.

(With inputs from Reuters)