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ECI Hosts Key Roundtable to Strengthen Electoral Processes After 25 Years

The Election Commission of India is convening a major national roundtable conference for the first time since 1999. The conference aims to strengthen electoral processes and enhance synergy between the ECI and State Election Commissioners. Key discussions will focus on technology adoption, EVM safeguards, and electoral roll management. The meeting comes amid ongoing political debates about electoral roll revisions and ahead of upcoming state assembly elections.

Key Points: ECI Roundtable on Electoral Processes, EVMs, and Federalism

  • First such conference in 25 years
  • Focus on EVM robustness & electoral rolls
  • Aims to enhance ECI-SEC synergy
  • Introduces ECINET digital platform
2 min read

ECI's roundtable conference on Tuesday to deliberate on strengthening electoral processes

ECI convenes national roundtable with SECs after 25 years to discuss EVMs, electoral rolls, technology, and cooperative federalism in election management.

"foster synergies in the functioning of ECI and SECs - Election Commission of India"

New Delhi, Feb 22

In a one-of-its-kind initiative, the Election Commission of India will hold a national roundtable conference on Tuesday to deliberate and discuss measures on strengthening the electoral processes while stepping up "synergy" between various wings of the poll body, including the State Election Commissioners.

During the day-long conference at the Bharat Mandapam, extensive discussions will be held centring around technology adoption, robust functioning of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and the Electoral Rolls and also on how to meet unforeseen challenges.

The roundtable conference, convened after a hiatus of about three decades, assumes significance as they come in the backdrop of the ensuing Assembly elections and also amid the political furore over the purging of electoral rolls under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR). The last such conference was held in the year 1999.

"The primary objective of the Round Table Conference is to foster synergies in the functioning of ECI and SECs with respect to electoral processes and logistics within their respective legal frameworks," the poll body said in a statement.

It added that the deliberations will provide a platform for constructive exchange of ideas and reinforce the spirit of cooperative federalism in the electoral management.

The Roundtable conference will be chaired by the Chief Election Commissioner, Gyanesh Kumar, and will be attended by Election Commissioners Dr Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Dr Vivek Joshi.

The State Election Commissioners of all states and union territories will participate along with their teams of advisors and experts. The Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) of all 36 states and union territories will be in attendance.

Senior ECI officials are set to make presentations on key technological and operational initiatives, including the recently launched ECINET digital platform and its transformative potential in streamlining electoral services.

The detailed presentation will also highlight the robustness and safeguards of EVMs, while shedding light on measures taken for advancing transparency in the electoral system.

"Comparative presentation on States/UT-wise eligibility of electors with reference to the Representation of the People Act, 1950 will also be made to facilitate informed deliberations on legal frameworks governing Electoral Roll preparation across jurisdictions," the EC said.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Good initiative, but long overdue! A gap of nearly 25 years between such conferences is too much. Electoral processes need constant review and updating. I hope this isn't just a talk shop and leads to concrete, transparent actions, particularly regarding EVM safeguards and voter roll revisions.
R
Rohit P
Finally, a discussion on "cooperative federalism" in elections. State ECs often face unique local challenges. A standardized digital platform is good, but it must be flexible enough for regional requirements. Jai Hind!
S
Sarah B
As an observer, India's scale of elections is fascinating. Streamlining services through tech like ECINET seems essential for managing such a massive electorate. Robust and transparent EVMs are the bedrock of trust. Hope the deliberations are fruitful.
V
Vikram M
The timing is interesting, right after the controversy over electoral roll revision. The ECI must use this conference to build public confidence. Clear, simple communication about how rolls are cleaned and how EVMs work is needed for the common voter.
K
Kavya N
Bharat Mandapam is a fitting venue for such a national dialogue. Proud to see our institutions working on strengthening democracy. The focus should also be on increasing voter turnout, especially among youth and women. 🙏

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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