Kamal Haasan Critiques One Nation, One Election Proposal As A Threat To Democracy

In a recent address at a party meeting, Kamal Haasan, the prominent actor and founder of the Makkal Needhi Maiam party, voiced strong opposition to the “One Nation, One Election” proposal, labeling it as “dangerous” and fundamentally flawed. Haasan emphasized that the scars left by such practices still linger in certain countries, arguing that implementing this concept in India would not only be unnecessary but detrimental to the democratic fabric of the nation.

Without directly naming any political party or leader, Haasan warned that if simultaneous elections had been conducted in 2014 or 2015, it could have resulted in an overwhelming political sweep that would lead to a dictatorial regime. He expressed concern that this could undermine essential democratic principles, including freedom of speech, and enable the dominance of a single leader. “You should understand that we have escaped from it… we have escaped from a disease more virulent than Coronavirus,” he remarked, alluding to the political climate a decade ago that lacked the “One Nation, One Election” framework.

While Haasan referenced examples from Europe and Russia to support his argument against simultaneous elections, he refrained from pinpointing a specific country where this approach had failed. He raised a thought-provoking analogy, questioning what would happen if all traffic lights turned green at the same time, suggesting that citizens should have the time and space to make informed choices during elections.

Haasan’s remarks underscore the ongoing debate around electoral reform in India, as he advocates for a political landscape that prioritizes democracy and public engagement over potentially consolidating power. His insights reflect a broader concern about maintaining the diversity of voices and choices within the electoral process, emphasizing the importance of allowing voters to reflect on their options rather than rushing them into a singular decision.