Election Commission Says Ready for 'One Nation, One Election' With 6 Months' Notice
The Election Commission has informed the JPC that it requires six months' notice to conduct 'One Nation, One Election'. Panel chairman PP Chaudhary stated that if Parliament passes the necessary laws by 2028, simultaneous polls could commence in 2029. While the Centre highlights potential cost and governance benefits, the proposal continues to face scrutiny from the opposition.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has informed the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) that it would be ready to conduct simultaneous Lok Sabha and Assembly elections if provided with six months' advance notice. The JPC, currently chaired by Member of Parliament P.P. Chaudhary, is examining the legal and administrative framework for the "One Nation, One Election" proposal. The committee is reviewing the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Amendment) Bill, 2024, and the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024, as part of a nationwide consultation process.
Consultations and Feasibility
Following a recent series of meetings - including study visits to various states such as Goa and Uttar Pradesh - Chaudhary stated that the panel intends to thoroughly hear the ECI’s technical plans before finalising any recommendations. PM Narendra Modi Led-Union Cabinet Clears ‘One Nation, One Election’ Bill To Streamline Electoral Process, Likely To Be Tabled in Ongoing Parliament Winter Session.
"We will hear the Election Commission on how it plans to conduct 'One Nation One Election'. We will put our questions to it, and only after hearing its views will the committee recommend whether it is feasible or not," Chaudhary said. Regarding the potential timeline, Chaudhary noted that if the necessary legislation is passed by Parliament in 2028, the ECI has indicated it could conduct the first simultaneous elections under the new framework by 2029.
The Case for Simultaneous Elections
Proponents of the proposal argue that frequent, staggered elections disrupt governance and impose a significant financial burden on the public exchequer. The government contends that synchronising polls would minimise the frequent enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct, thereby allowing for uninterrupted developmental work. Chaudhary, describing the proposal as a key electoral reform, noted that India previously conducted simultaneous elections between 1954 and 1960. He further stated that legal experts consulted by the committee have suggested the proposal does not violate the Constitution's basic structure or federal principles. UCC, 'One Nation, One Election' to Be Implemented in Next Term: Amit Shah.
Ongoing Debate Over 'One Nation, One Election'
The "One Nation, One Election" initiative remains a subject of intense national discussion. While the committee has reported broad support from various civil society stakeholders during its regional outreach, opposition parties and several constitutional experts continue to raise concerns. Critics argue that synchronising election cycles could potentially undermine India's federal structure, disadvantage regional political parties, and cause national narratives to overshadow state-specific issues. The JPC’s tenure has been extended until the Monsoon Session of 2026 to allow for further deliberation on these challenges before it submits its final report.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 16, 2026 07:49 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).