Coordination between ECI and SECs
The Election Commission of India (ECI) and the State Election Commissioners (SECs) have resolved to collaborate more closely to enhance electoral processes, particularly in the preparation of electoral rolls.
Conference Highlights
- A conference was hosted by the ECI, attended by approximately 30 SECs.
- A declaration was adopted to work together to harmonize electoral laws for panchayat and municipal elections with those for Parliament and State Legislature elections.
Roles and Responsibilities
- The Constitution mandates that the EC and SECs operate independently:
- The ECI is responsible for Lok Sabha and Assembly elections.
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- The SECs manage elections for panchayat and municipal bodies.
Importance of Electoral Roll Preparation
Pure electoral rolls are viewed as the bedrock of democracy, crucial for the transparent and efficient conduct of elections, which in turn strengthens democracy.
Tools and Resources
- The EC will share its ECINET portal for electoral roll management with the SECs.
- Other resources include Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and facilities from the India International Institute of Democracy and Electoral Management.
Speeches and Recommendations
- Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar stressed strengthening coordination within the Constitutional framework.
- Election Commissioner S S Sandhu encouraged SECs to learn from each other.
- EC Vivek Joshi highlighted the role of the ECINET portal in enhancing coordination.
Significance of the Conference
This conference marked the first such gathering of SECs organized by the ECI in 27 years, emphasizing its importance in fostering collaborative electoral reforms.
