High-Level Committee Formed to Explore Simultaneous Elections in India

September 4, 2023

The Indian government has established a high-level committee, led by former President Ram Nath Kovind, to examine the feasibility of holding simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha, state legislative assemblies, municipalities, and panchayats across the country. The committee comprises members such as Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, and noted jurist Harish Salve, among others. However, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury declined to participate, expressing concerns about the idea’s constitutionality, feasibility, and timing, especially close to the General Election.

The committee has been tasked with examining the legal and logistical aspects of simultaneous elections, including potential constitutional amendments, the need for state ratification, and handling scenarios like hung Houses and defections. It will also explore the use of a single electoral roll and voter identification cards.

What is the primary objective of the high-level committee formed by the Indian government?

The committee’s main objective is to explore the possibility of conducting simultaneous elections for various levels of government, including the Lok Sabha, state assemblies, municipalities, and panchayats across India.

What aspects will the committee examine in its quest for simultaneous elections?

The committee will explore legal and logistical aspects, including potential constitutional amendments, state ratification, scenarios like hung Houses, logistics such as electronic voting machines (EVMs), and the use of a single electoral roll.

What is the expected outcome of the committee’s work, and what recommendations will it provide?

The committee will provide recommendations on the feasibility, legal framework, logistics, and modalities of simultaneous elections, potentially leading to significant electoral reforms in India.

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