Kovind panel studied simultaneous poll processes in 7 counties including South Africa, Germany, Sweden

According to the report, a comparative analysis of other countries was drawn while dealing with the issue of simultaneous elections. The aim was to study and adopt the best international practices to ensure fairness and transparency in elections.

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Notes election in other countries

“In South Africa, voters cast their ballots for both the National Assembly and Provincial Legislatures simultaneously. However, municipal elections are held separately from provincial ones in a five-year cycle. On 29 May, South Africa will hold its general elections to elect a new National Assembly as well as the Provincial Legislature for each province,” the report said.

The panel noted that Sweden follows the proportional electoral system, which means that political parties are assigned a number of seats in the elected assembly based on their share of votes.

“They have a system where elections for the Parliament (Riksdag), County Councils and Municipal Councils all take place at the same time. These elections occur every four years on the second Sunday of September whereas elections to the municipal assemblies occur on the second Sunday of September, once every five years,” it said.

Subhash C Kashyap, a member of the high-level committee, supported the German model of a constructive vote of no-confidence in addition to the procedure for the appointment of chancellor made by the Bundestag.

Also Read: Ram Nath Kovind committee submits report to President

Advocates adoption of either the Japanese or German model

“He also explained the process that is followed in Japan. In Japan, the prime minister is first appointed by the National Diet and thereafter accepted by the Emperor. He advocated the adoption of a model similar to the German or Japanese model. This, in his view, will also be beneficial to India,” the report said.

Since, 2019 Indonesia has been conducting simultaneous elections, a system where the President, Vice President, and members of both national and regional legislative bodies are elected on the same day.

“Voters cast a secret ballot and dip their fingers in indelible ink to prevent duplicate voting. Political parties need 4 percent of votes to qualify for the National Parliament. A Presidential candidate needs more than 50 percent of votes cast overall and at least 20 percent of votes in more than half the country’s provinces to win.

“On 14 February, 2024, Indonesia successfully conducted simultaneous elections. It is being termed as the world’s largest single-day elections since nearly 200 million people voted across all five levels — President, Vice President, Members of Parliament, Members of Regional Assemblies and Municipal elections,” the report said.

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