One Nation, One Election: An Analysis of the High-Level Committee Report on Simultaneous Elections in India (2024) and its Implications for Indian Democracy

The 2024 High Level Committee (hereinafter “HLC”) Report on “One Nation, One Election” assesses the prospects and implications of conducting simultaneous national, state and local bodies elections across India. The objective is to address electoral redundancies by synchronising election cycles in India, a practice that was followed post-independence until it was phased out by the 1960s. For the implementation, HLC recommends a phased plan and two constitutional amendments along with empowering the Election Commission of India and a unified electoral roll. Furthermore, it also highlights its impact on India’s federal structure and risks to regional representation. Comparative perspectives from countries like South Africa and Germany have been included to ensure the best international practices for fair and transparent elections. The essay undertakes an analysis of the HLC report on One Nation, One Election and its various constitutional, economic and social implications on Indian democracy, along with relevant case laws and international insights.