Explained: What Is One Nation, One Election
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The Union Cabinet has cleared the 'one nation, one election' plan for simultaneous polls for central and state governments, as well as local bodies or panchayats
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One nation, one election means Lok Sabha, Assembly, and local body (urban or rural) elections will be held in the same year, if not at the same time
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This was the norm in the first four elections held between 1951-52 and 1967
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The dissolution of many state governments in 1968 and 1969, as well as the early termination of the Lok Sabha in 1970 broke the simultaneous polls cycle
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The ruling BJP says simultaneous polls will result in higher economic growth and improve policy-making
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The government argues that one election will counter voter fatigue, increase turnout, and allow it to focus on governance
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Opposition leaders call it an unviable plan and a "design to subvert the basic structure of the Constitution"
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At present, only seven states vote for a new government at the same time as the country selects a new national government
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These include Andhra Pradesh, Sikkim, and Odisha, all of which voted earlier this year - at the same time as the April-June Lok Sabha election
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