‘One Nation, One Election’ Debate: EC Highlights Importance of Poll Code for Fair Play
New Delhi: The debate over the proposed ‘One Nation, One Election’ policy continues to heat up, with the Election Commission of India (EC) stressing the critical role of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) in ensuring a level playing field during elections.
While the government advocates for simultaneous elections to minimize disruptions caused by frequent MCC impositions, the EC maintains that the poll code is indispensable for safeguarding the democratic process.
“Frequent imposition of the MCC disrupts governance, but it ensures transparency and fairness, which are non-negotiable in a democracy,” an EC official stated. The MCC comes into force whenever elections are announced, restricting the government from introducing new policies or projects that could influence voter decisions.
Proponents of the ‘One Nation, One Election’ policy argue that conducting simultaneous polls for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies would reduce costs and administrative challenges while avoiding the repetitive enforcement of the MCC. However, critics fear that combining elections might undermine regional representation and tilt the balance of power.
Experts believe the ongoing debate reflects the need to strike a balance between governance efficiency and electoral integrity. With stakeholders on both sides of the argument, the policy’s feasibility remains a contentious issue.
The government is expected to engage in further consultations with the EC and political parties to address concerns and build consensus on this ambitious electoral reform.