One Nation, One Election to improve govt efficiency, foster economic development: CII

The High Level Committee on One Nation One Election, chaired by former President Ram Nath Kovind held its fifth meeting.

Expressing its support to simultaneous elections that would synchronize the electoral cycles at the central and state levels, industry body CII said 'One Nation One Election' would enhance governance efficiency, and foster economic development.

The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) presented its views to the High-Level Committee on One Nation One Election (ONOE) on Friday. The High Level Committee on One Nation One Election, chaired by former President Ram Nath Kovind held its fifth meeting.

"CII's view was based on the economic benefits of streamlining the electoral process, that would enhance governance efficiency, and foster economic development," the industry body stated.

It argued that asynchronous multiple elections lead to frequent disruption in policy making and administration, leading to uncertainty about the government's policies.

"It also affects the working of the Government due to its officials being roped in for election duties. Investment decisions by the private sector tend to slow down prior to the elections," said CII.

"Further, it leads to delays in project implementation, as the Model Code of Conduct gets imposed," it added.

The industry body emphasised that simultaneous elections, thus, offer a propitious solution by effectively reducing the project implementation delays and a likely cost savings of approximately half the total expenses incurred by the Central and State governments in administering elections.