In a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday, the Union Cabinet approved the “One Nation, One Election” proposal, igniting widespread political discussions, particularly regarding the tenure of the 15th Gujarat Legislative Assembly and upcoming elections in the state.
The proposal, if enacted, could extend the term of the Gujarat Assembly beyond December 2027, aligning it with a nationwide push for simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha and state assemblies. Constitutional amendments would be required to facilitate this synchronisation, potentially allowing elections to be held simultaneously until December 2028.
As Parliament’s winter session nears its conclusion, a two-day debate in the Lok Sabha, beginning on Dec 13, will commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Indian Constitution. The Union Cabinet has already drafted the necessary legal and constitutional amendments addressing the feasibility, challenges and execution of simultaneous elections. All eyes will now be on the government’s proposals in the Lok Sabha and the ensuing discussions among public representatives.
Experts in constitutional law, political affairs, and election management have noted that the term of the 18th Lok Sabha is set to end in June 2029, while assemblies in states like Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab and Gujarat will conclude between February and December 2028. Assemblies in other states, including Maharashtra, Haryana, Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, will end in 2029.
Experts suggest that if the Lok Sabha’s term is shortened by six months and constitutional amendments adjust the tenure of assemblies in 15 states, nationwide simultaneous elections could be held between September and December 2028.
Under this scenario, the 15th Gujarat Legislative Assembly could see its term extended to December 2028, effectively serving for six years instead of five.
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