Modi Cabinet accepts High-Level Committee’s recommendations on simultaneous elections

     New Delhi, September 18, 2024: The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, today accepted the recommendations of the High-Level Committee on Simultaneous Elections under the chairmanship of former President Ram Nath Kovind.

     The Centre said there were several recommendations of high level committees for holding simultaneous elections in the country.

     Advocating for simultaneous elections, the Modi government said elections have been held simultaneously between 1951 and 1967.

     The Law Commission in its 170th report (1999) recommended one election to Lok Sabha and all Legislative Assemblies in five years.

     The Parliamentary Committee in 79th Report (2015) suggested methods for simultaneous elections in two phases.

     The High Level Committee chaired by former President Ram Nath Kovind extensively consulted a broad spectrum of stakeholders including political parties and experts.

     Extensive feedback has showed there is widespread support for simultaneous elections in the country, the Centre said.

     Regarding the recommendations and way forward, the Government said it should be implement in two phases.

     In first phase conduct Lok Sabha and Assembly elections simultaneously.

     In the second phase Conduct local body elections (panchayat and municipalities) within 100 days of general elections.

     There should be one common electoral roll for all elections.

     The Centre has also said it will initiate detailed discussions throughout the country.

     And for its implementation it would constitute an implementation group.