Will ONOE Formula be Implemented?

August 2, 2026

A joint parliamentary committee was formed to finalize the “One Nation, One Election” bill. This committee was scheduled to submit its report on the first day of the last week of Parliament’s winter session. It was hoped that a decision on implementing the “One Nation, One Election” law would be reached next year. The excerpts from this committee’s report so far highlight the significant benefits of conducting elections in this manner. Holding Lok Sabha and Assembly elections simultaneously would save the government significant funds and simplify administrative work.

The report states that the number of employees deployed on election duty will be reduced by approximately 2.6 million, or 28 percent, over five years. Approximately 10.4 million working days will be saved. It also states that most polling stations are set up in schools, where teachers are assigned to these duties. If elections are not held frequently, teachers will be required to perform fewer election duties. This will increase school attendance and improve the standard of education.

The committee also addressed the administrative burden. The Election Commission states that while simultaneous elections will enhance security, security forces will not have to be deployed repeatedly in different states. A one-time task will also reduce administrative burden. It was believed that the government would introduce this bill in the next session after the report was submitted, but now the tenure of the Joint Parliamentary Committee has been extended.

This monsoon session will not discuss this issue, and if the report itself hasn’t been tabled, how will the bill be introduced? It would be a blessing if the report even arrives by the last week of the winter session. However, it should be remembered that this report stated that the terms of the state legislative assemblies whose terms are to last beyond 2029 will be terminated earlier by amending the Constitution. In states where the legislative assemblies expire before 2029, President’s rule will be imposed until 2029 so that Lok Sabha and state legislative elections can be held simultaneously across the country.

In our view, if the “One Nation, One Election” formula is implemented, the country will be on the path to significant savings. This remains a dream, but whether this proposal will be implemented by next year remains to be seen.