18 Amendments Required for Simultaneous Elections: Kovind Panel Report

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 18th Sept. The Union Cabinet has approved the recommendations of the high-level committee led by former President Ram Nath Kovind, which calls for several constitutional changes to implement simultaneous elections across India. The report, accepted on Wednesday, outlines that 18 distinct amendments to the Constitution and other statutes will be required.

The Kovind panel recommends holding simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha, state assemblies, and local bodies in a phased approach, contingent on a nationwide consensus-building effort. Key proposed amendments include changes to Article 325 of the Constitution, which governs the preparation of electoral rolls by the Election Commission of India in coordination with State Election Commissions for local body elections.

Additionally, amendments to Article 324A are necessary to synchronize elections for municipalities and panchayats with general Lok Sabha and state legislature elections. The panel also highlighted that under Article 368(2), ratification by at least half of the states will be required for these constitutional amendments, as they pertain to state affairs.

The report addresses the potential issue of a hung Parliament or assembly, proposing a mechanism to resolve scenarios where no single party or alliance secures a majority. It suggests that, traditionally, the President or Governor would explore forming a government through collaboration under a common minimum program, ensuring an elected government remains in place.

The committee’s recommendations are aimed at streamlining the electoral process and ensuring stability, but their implementation will require extensive legislative and constitutional revisions.