Editorial Topic : Super Election Year 2024: A Year of Global Change

GS-2 Mains : Polity

Question : How many countries are set to hold elections in 2024, and approximately how many voters will be involved globally?

Over 60 Countries to Hold Elections:

• 2 billion voters (¼ of the world’s population) will participate.

Highlights by Country:

• Mexico:Potential first female president.
• United States:Joe Biden seeks re-election.
• Taiwan:Historic third consecutive term for Democratic Progressive Party.
• Indonesia (4th most populous country):Electing a new president.
• Bangladesh:Sheikh Hasina wins fifth term.

Key Themes:

• Societal divisions:Abortion rights, corporatization in agriculture, etc.
• Elections as battles of ideology:Deciding the direction of societies.

Examples:

• UK:Bookmakers favor Labour Party win (1/10 odds) against Conservatives (6/1).
• US:Potential Trump vs. Biden rematch with abortion rights as a key issue.
• South Africa:Possible first multi-party government post-apartheid.
• India:Focus on unemployment, food security, and press freedom by opposition.

Overall:

• Super election year will determine the direction of societies facing ideological conflicts.

 

Editorial Topic : No last word

GS-2 Mains : Polity

Question : What were the concerns raised regarding the composition and neutrality of the committee tasked with examining the “One Nation One Election” (ONOE) proposal?

Concerns Regarding the Committee:

• Congress Leader’s Refusal: Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury declined to participate, questioning the panel’s neutrality.
• Composition Bias: The eight-member panel was perceived to favor the government’s stance.
• Presumption in Terms of Reference: The terms of reference presumed that simultaneous elections are in the “national interest.”
• Lack of Balanced Deliberations: Doubts raised about whether the report merely echoes the government’s proposal without thorough deliberation.

Objectives of “One Nation One Election” (ONOE):

• Resource Optimization: Emphasizes that separate elections waste resources and cause policy paralysis.
• Reduction of Socio-Economic Costs: Cites the economic burden and voter fatigue associated with multiple elections.
• Proposed Solution: ONOE aims to streamline elections across all levels to address these concerns.

Dissenting Voices Against ONOE:

• Opposition from Political Parties: 15 political parties have expressed opposition to ONOE.
• Concerns of Regional Election Officials: Tamil Nadu Election Commissioner and others warned of diluting focus on regional challenges.
• Alternative Proposals: Suggestions like state funding of elections are considered more effective in tackling inefficiency.
• Criticism by Legal Experts: Former Chief Justices express concerns about political accountability and the impact on regional parties.

Threats to Political Diversity and Regional Parties:

• Impact on Regional Parties: Fear that state-level parties may struggle to compete with national parties under ONOE.
• Flattening of Political Diversity: ONOE could diminish the significance of region-specific issues and parties.
• Transformation of Electoral Landscape: Risks altering the dynamics established since the Sixties, with the rise of regional parties.

Conclusion:

• Need for Continued Dialogue: The panel’s report should not be the final verdict, and dissenting voices must be considered in ongoing discussions about ONOE.