Twitter
Advertisement

Simultaneous polls in India possible only after these 5 constitutional changes

The Elections Commission has said that Simultaneous polls would require amendments to at least five Articles of the Constitution

Latest News
article-main
The indelible ink is applied to a finger of a voter
FacebookTwitterWhatsappLinkedin

Amid renewed debate over simultaneous polls for the Lok Sabha and Assemblies after President Ram Nath Kovind pitched for it in his speech to Parliament on the first day of the budget session, the Elections Commission has said that it would require amendments to at least five Articles of the Constitution.

Among the changes required are those relating to duration and dissolution of the Lok Sabha and assemblies, a Times of India report said. 

 

In his first address to the joint sitting of the two houses of Parliament, President on Monday said all political parties need to arrive at a consensus on the issue of simultaneous polls.

“Citizens alive to the state of governance in the country are concerned about the frequent elections in one part of the country or another, which adversely impact the economy and development. Therefore, a sustained debate is required on the subject of simultaneous elections and all political parties need to arrive at a consensus on this issue,” Kovind said in his address.

The Election Commission has supported the idea of holding simultaneous polls - strongly backed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi - and has said that it would be "logistically equipped" by September 2018 to conduct polls for Lok Sabha and assemblies together.

It has, however, said that existing constitutional and legal framework would come in the way.

 

Union Law Ministry has also spoken about the constitutional challenges to paving the way for simultaneous polls. In an internal note giving its views after getting advice on the matter from the Election Commission, the law ministry has highlighted the constitutional challenges that would come in the way of simultaneous polls.

Article 83 that deals with duration of Houses of Parliament; Article 85, dealing with the Sessions of Parliament, prorogation and dissolution; Article 172 that deals with duration of state Legislatures; Article 174 relating to sessions of the State Legislature, prorogation and dissolution; and Article 356 dealing with case of failure of constitutional machinery in State (President's rule) will need changes would need to be amended, the law ministry report forwarding the EC report said.

The ministry also called for wide consultations with political parties and state governments to arrive at a consensus. 

 

"Having regard to the federal structure of our system of governance, it is imperative that consensus of all state governments is obtained," it said. 

Earlier, in October last year, the Election Commission was asked by the Centre as what it would require for becoming capable of holding the parliamentary and assembly polls together. In response, the EC had asked for funds to purchase new EVMs and VVPAT machines. 

"The commission would be logistically equipped by September, 2018, to hold parliamentary and assembly polls together," CEC OP Rawat, who was one of the three Election Commissioners in October, had told a press conference.

Find your daily dose of news & explainers in your WhatsApp. Stay updated, Stay informed-  Follow DNA on WhatsApp.
Advertisement

Live tv

Advertisement
Advertisement