'One Nation, One Election' proposal approved by Union Cabinet

In a big move towards simultaneous polls for Lok Sabha and Assembly elections, the Union Cabinet approved the proposal for 'One Nation, One Election' on Wednesday, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced.

This development comes after recommendations on 'One Nation, One Election' by a high-level committee headed by former president Ram Nath Kovind was placed before the Union Cabinet.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Vaishnaw said the panel has recommended a single electoral roll for all elections.

One Nation, One Election: What the panel has recommended

The committee has recommended holding simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and state Assemblies in the first phase. In the second phase, local body polls will take place simultaneously within 100 days of general elections.

The high-level panel also suggested the establishment of an 'Implementation Group' to look into the implementation of the committee's recommendations.

According to the panel, concurrent elections will save resources, spur development and social cohesion, deepen the "foundations of the democratic rubric".

Furthermore, it suggested that the Election Commission of India (ECI) to prepare a common electoral roll and voter ID cards in consultation with state election authorities.

Currently, the ECI looks after the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections, while state election commissions oversee the local body polls for panchayats and municipalities.