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ECI Hosts Historic Round Table Conference with State Election Bodies After 27 Years

The Election Commission of India is organizing a National Round Table Conference with all State Election Commissioners on February 24, marking the first such meeting in 27 years. The conference, chaired by Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, aims to enhance collaboration on electoral processes and technology sharing. Key agenda items include discussions on EVM robustness, the new ECINET digital platform, and legal frameworks for electoral rolls. The event seeks to strengthen cooperative federalism in India's electoral management system.

Key Points: ECI, State Election Commissioners National Round Table Conference 2024

  • First such conference in 27 years
  • Focus on tech sharing & EVM transparency
  • Platform for cooperative federalism
  • Discussions on ECINET digital platform
2 min read

National Round Table Conference of ECI, SECs to be held on Feb 24

Election Commission of India convenes first national round table with State Election Commissioners in 27 years to discuss electoral tech and processes.

"foster synergies in the functioning of ECI and SECs with respect to electoral processes and logistics - Election Commission"

New Delhi, February 22

Election Commission of India will organise the National Round Table Conference of ECI and State Election Commissioners on February 24 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

According to a press note by ECI, it was stated that the Round Table Conference is being convened after a gap of 27 years. The last such Conference was held in the year 1999.

The Round Table Conference will be chaired by the Chief Election Commissioner, Gyanesh Kumar, in the presence of Election Commissioners, Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi.

State Election Commissioners of all States and Union Territories will participate along with their legal and technical experts. Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) of all 36 States and Union Territories will also attend the Conference.

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 deliberations are expected to provide a platform for constructive exchange of ideas and reinforce the spirit of cooperative federalism in electoral management, EC said in its release.

During the day-long conference, discussions will focus around sharing of technology, EVMs and Electoral Rolls, besides strengthening of electoral processes.

Senior officials of the Commission will make presentations on key technological and operational initiatives including the recently launched ECINET digital platform and its transformative potential in streamlining electoral services.

Presentations will also highlight robustness, transparency and safeguards of the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), the press note stated.

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.

State Election Commissions are created by law of the respective States under the empowering provisions of 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments. SECs are vested with the superintendence, direction and control of the preparation of the electoral rolls for, and the conduct of all elections to the Panchayats and Municipal Bodies under Articles 243K and 243ZA respectively.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
The focus on technology sharing and the new ECINET platform sounds promising. Digital integration can really reduce errors and increase transparency. Curious to see how this translates to the ground level for municipal elections.
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Priya S
Good initiative for cooperative federalism. But I hope this isn't just a talk shop. We need concrete outcomes - maybe a common minimum standard for conducting local body elections across all states. The quality varies so much currently.
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Vikram M
Discussing EVM robustness is important to maintain public trust. While I believe our EVMs are secure, continuous dialogue and demonstrating safeguards to all SECs will help counter any misinformation. Jai Hind!
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Rohit P
Finally! Local body elections often get overlooked. Sharing tech and best practices between ECI and SECs can strengthen grassroots democracy. Hope they also discuss increasing voter turnout in panchayat elections.
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Michael C
As an observer, I appreciate the effort to align legal frameworks. The comparative presentation on elector eligibility sounds technical but essential. Clarity in rules prevents disputes later. A step in the right direction.
K
Kavya N
Respectfully, I hope they address the elephant in the room: the need for greater independence and uniform funding for State Election Commissions. Some SECs seem under-res

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

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