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.