| Authors | Lokesha M K |
|---|---|
| Article Type | Research Article |
| Language | English |
| Journal | North Asian International Research Journal of Social Science & Humanities |
| ISSN | 2454-9827 |
| Volume | 12 |
| Issue | 4 |
| Pages | 45-56 |
| Publication Year | 2026 |
| Publication Date | April 01, 2026 |
| DOI URL | https://doiglobal.org/10.2026/NAIRJCSSH.005 |
The proposal for simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies—popularly described as 'One Nation, One Election'—has become one of the most consequential electoral-reform debates in contemporary India. Its supporters argue that synchronized elections could reduce repeated campaign expenditure, lessen administrative disruption, improve policy continuity and allow governments to devote greater attention to governance. Critics contend that synchronization may alter India's federal political rhythm, privilege national issues over State-level concerns, complicate the handling of premature dissolutions and reshape the relationship between legislative confidence and fixed electoral cycles. This paper examines simultaneous elections from the perspective of constitutionalism, federalism, parliamentary government and democratic representation. It uses a qualitative and analytical methodology drawing on constitutional provisions, parliamentary material, institutional reports and contemporary scholarship. Particular attention is given to the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Amendment) Bill, 2024, which proposes a mechanism for synchronizing Lok Sabha and State Assembly terms and provides for remainder-term elections following premature dissolution. As of July 2026, the proposal remained under examination by a Joint Parliamentary Committee conducting nationwide consultations. The paper argues that the central issue is not administrative efficiency alone. Electoral calendars are embedded in India's parliamentary and federal design; therefore, reform must preserve legislative accountability, State political autonomy, electoral fairness and constitutional legitimacy. The study concludes that simultaneous elections are institutionally feasible only if transition rules, premature dissolution, Election Commission powers, federal safeguards, campaign regulation and logistical capacity are addressed through broad political consensus.
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DOI: 10.2026/NAIRJCSSH.005
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North Asian International Research Journal of Social Science & Humanities
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