NPF opposes ‘One Nation, One Election’ concept, cites concerns on federalism and democratic values

Mokokchung, 15 January (MTNews):  The Naga People’s Front (NPF) has opposed the ‘One Nation, One Election’ (ONOE) concept, citing concerns about its potential impact on India’s federal structure and democratic principles. This reply is in response to Dr Chandra’s letter dated 18 October 2023 that sought suggestions pertaining to simultaneous elections of Lok Sabha and State Assembly.

The NPF through its statement signed by President Apong Pongener and General Secretary Achumbemo Kikon argued that the ONOE concept would undermine the essence of India’s federal structure, given its diverse multi-ethnic composition and the creation of states based on linguistic and political agreements. The party asserted that ONOE is ‘detrimental’ to India as a developing nation and asserted that the idea of “homogeneity or a one-size-fits-all will be only wishful thinking” and “repulsive”.

The NPF also presented how a large chunk of electorates normally turn up in both Parliamentary and Assembly elections basically reposing their faith on the Regional Political Parties. According to them, it is because many a time, National Political Parties inadequately address the regional and local issues resulting in regional imbalances even in terms of developmental projects.

Stating that the purported objective of ONOE is to reduce election-related expenditures, the NPF argued that such measures cannot come at the cost of federalism. The party contended that ONOE is unlikely to significantly reduce election expenses and suggested that amendments to the Representation of Peoples Act could better regulate expenditures.

The letter highlighted that India operates on the First-Past-The-Post (FPTP) system, allowing direct interaction between representatives and voters. The NPF expressed concerns that adopting List Party Proportional Representation (LPPR), as seen in some countries, would be unfamiliar and impractical for the Indian masses, especially those in rural areas.

The party also expressed apprehension that once simultaneous election of Lok Sabha and State Assembly is imposed, the relevancy of the Regional Political Parties would also be diminished as National agenda will overshadow regional and local issues.

“Over and above, the National Political Parties would take upper hand by using all sorts of tantalizing propaganda with an intention to hammer the Regional Political Parties and ultimately leads to One Party Rule which is akin to communist type of government that will only invite chaos and confusion in the Indian polity as it will be a direct threat to Indian democracy,” it added.

Further, the party also feared that the use of money power and misuse of government machinery would be rampant during elections by the National Political Parties to wrestle power if simultaneous elections were held for both Parliamentary and State Assembly.

“This will definitely vitiate the atmosphere of free and fair election as well which will be another bigger threat to Indian democracy,” the NPF said.

“In the light of the above facts and circumstances, the NPF strongly object simultaneous election of Lok Sabha and State Assembly and do not subscribe to the concept of-One Nation, One Election,” stated the NPF.

(Read full text here)