More Than Half of Indians Say Voting for National and State Elections on Same Day Won’t Confuse Voters

Mumbai, January 8 (PTI): According to a latest survey conducted by News18, more than half of Indians believe that voting for both national and state elections on the same day won't create confusion among voters. The study, which interviewed over 4,573 people across the country, found that 55.9 per cent of respondents said that simultaneous elections would not lead to voter confusion.

However, a significant section of respondents - 36.2 per cent - believed that it could cause confusion, while 7.9 per cent were unsure about the issue.

The News18 One Nation One Election (ONOE) survey was conducted between December 23 and December 31, 2024, across all 29 states and Union Territories of India. The survey found that 62.6 per cent of respondents from central India, 64.7 per cent from the east, 61.5 per cent from the north, 47.7 per cent from the north-east, 49 per cent from the south and 46.2 per cent from the west disagreed with the possibility of confusion.

Among those who supported simultaneous elections, 28.2 per cent still felt that it would cause voter confusion, while 73.7 per cent identified as male respondents were among them.

The study also found that 86.5 per cent of respondents were Hindus, and almost 68% had college or higher education. The survey's findings are expected to be revealed in the coming months as the government is set to bring forth legislation on simultaneous elections shortly.

In an interview with News18 last week, a senior BJP spokesperson said, "We stand by our proposal (OF One Nation One Poll). However it will face opposition due to our political opponents. For them, simultaneous poll could pose risks to democracy."

The move was initiated to simplify the electoral process and reduce costs for voters. The high-level committee has proposed a two-stage rollout: first for Lok Sabha and Assembly elections, followed by parallel local body elections within 100 days of the general elections.

"Setting an appointed date would need to notify the transition," said one source familiar with the plan. "Assemblies formed through state elections after that date will have short tenures till soon after general elections, in line." However this move is expected to be challenged by opposition partys and further changes may result from the discussion.

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