THE NEWS FREEDOM
NEW DELHI, MARCH 14
The High-Level Committee on Simultaneous Elections, chaired by former President Ram Nath Kovind, has proposed simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies as the initial phase, followed by municipal and panchayat polls within 100 days of the general election in subsequent phases.
Meeting with the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, on Thursday, the Committee presented its Report, comprising 18,626 pages, reflecting extensive consultations with stakeholders, experts, and 191 days of research since its inception on September 2, 2023.
An official release stated that after thorough consideration of suggestions and viewpoints, the Committee advocates for a two-step approach towards simultaneous elections. “Simultaneous elections will be conducted for the House of the People and the State Legislative Assemblies as the first step. Subsequently, municipal and panchayat elections will be synchronized with the aforementioned elections, ensuring they take place within a hundred days,” the statement elucidated.
Furthermore, the Committee proposes the implementation of a single electoral roll and Electoral Photo Identity Cards (EPIC) for use in all three tiers of government elections.
In tune with its mandate to explore the mechanism for simultaneous elections, and keeping in view the existing framework of the Constitution, the committee has crafted its recommendations in such a way that they are in accordance with the spirit of the Constitution of India and would require bare minimum amendments to the Constitution. Upon all-inclusive deliberations, the Committee concludes that its recommendations will significantly enhance the transparency, inclusivity, ease and confidence of the voters. Overwhelming support for holding simultaneous elections will spur the development process and social cohesion, deepen the foundations of our democratic rubric, and realize the aspirations of India, that is Bharat.
The esteemed Committee, chaired by former President Kovind, comprised notable members including Amit Shah, Union Minister of Home Affairs and Minister of Cooperation, Ghulam Nabi Azad, former Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha, N.K. Singh, former Chairman of the 15th Finance Commission, Dr. Subhash C. Kashyap, former Secretary General of Lok Sabha, Harish Salve, Senior Advocate, and Sanjay Kothari, former Chief Vigilance Commissioner. Additionally, Arjun Ram Meghwal, Minister of State (Independent Charge) Ministry of Law and Justice, participated as a Special Invitee, with Dr. Niten Chandra serving as the Secretary of the HLC.
The detailed report is accessible at: onoe.gov.in/HLC-Report.