Examine the need for electoral reforms as suggested by various committees with particular reference to "one nation – one election" principle. (Answer in 150 words)

Introduction

Electoral reform seeks to deepen representation, improve integrity and make elections more efficient while preserving constitutional accountability.

Need and recommendations

• The Law Commission, Election Commission and Parliamentary committees have highlighted criminalisation, money power, paid news, opaque political finance and inner-party democracy.
• Simultaneous elections may reduce repeated Model Code restrictions, administrative diversion and campaign expenditure, while enabling longer policy horizons.
• It can also improve voter convenience and reduce governance interruptions.

Concerns and way forward

• Fixed-term legislatures, premature dissolution, federal autonomy and accountability to voters require careful constitutional design.
• Consensus among States, constructive vote of no-confidence, synchronised terms and adequate EVM/security logistics are essential.
• Reforms should also include transparent funding, speedy trials, stronger ECI independence and proportional penalties for violations.

Keywords: Law Commission, ECI, Model Code, federalism, accountability, constitutional amendment.