Abstract

The One Nation, One Election Proposal: Constitutional and Political Perspectives

N. Devula

Volume: 16 Issue: 2 2026

Abstract:

The simultaneous elections of the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies under the concept One Nation One Election (ONOE) is a key electoral reform proposal in India. The proposal aims to rectify the issues of frequent electoral cycle, increasing election expenditure, administrative burden, and the lapse in governance. This study looks at the concept of synchronized elections on a comparative and analytical framework with the specific focus of the Indian context and taking lessons from the global experience. It looks at the election system in countries that conduct simultaneous and/or partially synchronized elections and evaluates its impact on India's democratic and federal system. The study pinpoints a number of possible benefits of ONOE, such as, lower election costs, better administrative efficiency, more policy continuity, and less voter fatigue. In parallel, it identifies key issues like constitutional changes, federal issues, logistical problems and potential marginalisation of regional issues. International experience shows that synchronizing elections can enhance the electoral efficiency but it is essential to have institutional preparedness and political consensus for the successful conduct of these elections.

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