By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Sep 2: The United Democratic Party (UDP) has become the first regional party to vocalise its support for the Centre’s proposal of ‘one nation, one election.’
UDP general secretary Jemino Mawthoh on Saturday welcomed the move and stated that it will be a boon for the electorates and the country.
The concept of ‘one nation, one election’ advocates the idea of synchronisation of elections at all levels so they occur simultaneously, across the entire nation.
This comes after the Voice of People’s Party (VPP) had earlier denounced the proposal. Similarly, the underground militant outfit, HNLC, was the first to react in criticising the Centre’s move, calling it a vehicle to promote Hindutva ideology.
Mawthoh, however, flagged wastage in holding elections separately, maintaining that if all the elections that include District Council elections, Assembly elections and the Lok Sabha elections, can be done in one shot, it will augur well for the people of the state, electorates and democracy.
He was of the opinion that all the elections have different issues in the state, and if it is held in one go, people will benefit more in the democratic process.
“It will give ample opportunity to exercise the franchise in an objective way,” he further added.
According to him, people would be happier to come out and take a decision once and for all. “Simultaneous election at all levels would save a lot of time, energy and resources and will also make it easier for the administration,” he added.
He said that this will also bring cohesiveness to the functionality of the different level of governance – MP, MLA and MDC — which will in turn help in proper as well as coordinated implementation of schemes and projects.
Admitting that it will definitely be a difficult task to implement such an exercise, he said that a decision has to be arrived upon looking at the larger picture and the positive aspects of this vision.
It may be noted that the UDP is a coalition partner in the ruling MDA 2.0.
Meanwhile, the State TMC maintained that the intention of the central government can be figured out only after the bill is tabled and the states that have been targetted/listed.
TMC vice president George B Lyngdoh said, “It’s nothing new. In the country’s first few general elections 1952, 1957, 1962 and 1967, the Parliamentary and Assembly elections were held simultaneously. However, with the passage of time and due to untimely dissolutions of Parliament and Assemblies, the timelines then varied”.
“In this scenario, the attempt made seems to be in a very hurried manner through the sudden convening of a special session of Parliament,” he added.
He further said, “The political motives behind this abrupt move cannot be ruled out as some crucial states will be having their general elections later this year. Perhaps, with that in mind, the Parliament has been convened to clear the bill immediately”.
However, the coalition’s movers and shakers, NPP has maintained a discreet silence on the issue which already has created controversy in the heartland.
