The Center has established a committee led by former President Ram Nath Kovind for the One Nation-One Election initiative. However, the Election Commission estimates a hefty cost of Rs. 10,000 crore every 15 years for simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies. To accommodate this, 11.8 lakh polling stations would need to be set up nationwide.
In the case of simultaneous elections, each polling station must have two sets of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) – one for the Lok Sabha and one for the Assembly constituency. The Election Commission suggests replacing EVMs every 15 years, requiring substantial investment. The cost breakdown includes Rs. 7,900 for each ballot unit, Rs. 9,800 for a control unit, and Rs. 16,000 for a Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) machine by 2023.
Additionally, the Election Commission highlights the necessity for extra security personnel, improved EVM storage, and increased vehicles. Amendments to five articles of the Constitution are deemed necessary for implementing simultaneous elections, affecting aspects such as the tenure of Parliament Houses, dissolution of the Lok Sabha, and terms of State Legislatures.
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