New Delhi, March 1: The Union Law Ministry has clarified that the issue of reverting to ballot papers does not fall under the jurisdiction of the joint parliamentary committee currently examining two bills related to simultaneous elections.
Sources indicate that while some members of the committee suggested a return to the ballot paper system, the ministry did not provide a direct response to the proposal. Instead, it emphasized that the matter is beyond the panel's scope, as the committee's mandate is to assess the Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill and the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill.
Committee's Mandate Focused on Legal Framework for Simultaneous Elections
The Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill seeks to establish a legal structure for conducting Lok Sabha and state assembly elections together, while the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill aims to synchronize the election terms of legislative assemblies in Delhi, Puducherry, and Jammu & Kashmir.The ministry reiterated that the committee's role is to evaluate the legal soundness of these bills and recommend necessary modifications, rather than deliberating on the voting mechanism—whether Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) or ballot papers.
Government Firm on EVMs; Supreme Court Supports Stand
The central government has consistently opposed reverting to the ballot paper system. The Supreme Court also recently dismissed petitions calling for a return to paper ballots, labeling concerns over EVM tampering as "unfounded."Historical Context of Simultaneous Elections
The law ministry, in its response, reaffirmed that simultaneous elections were the norm in India from 1951 to 1967. The cycle was disrupted due to premature dissolutions of state assemblies and the Lok Sabha. Key disruptions included:- 1968-69: Some state assemblies were dissolved prematurely.
- 1970: The fourth Lok Sabha was dissolved early, leading to fresh elections in 1971.
- 1975-77: The term of the fifth Lok Sabha was extended under Article 352 during the Emergency.
- Post-1977: Frequent premature dissolutions of both Lok Sabha and state assemblies created an irregular electoral schedule.
Benefits of Simultaneous Polls: A Governance Perspective
The government has highlighted that staggered elections create governance challenges. According to the high-level committee on "One Nation, One Election," led by former President Ram Nath Kovind, frequent elections divert attention from policymaking to campaign strategies.The government’s explainer on the subject suggests that synchronized elections could improve governance by allowing political parties and elected representatives to focus on development rather than constant electioneering.
Election Commission Consultation on Key Queries
While the law ministry addressed several aspects of the proposed bills, some technical queries were referred to the Election Commission for further deliberation.With the panel’s review ongoing, the debate on simultaneous elections continues, but the government's stance on maintaining EVMs and streamlining the election schedule remains firm.