The Election Commission (EC) of India and the State Election Commissions (SECs) have reached a consensus to align the legislative frameworks governing panchayat and municipal elections with those that dictate parliamentary and state assembly elections. This agreement emerged from a national roundtable conference held in New Delhi. The conference, which marks the first of its kind in 27 years, emphasized the importance of having a unified electoral roll and ensuring transparent electoral processes as fundamental elements of democracy.

Call for Legal and Technical Frameworks

The Election Commission proposed that all SECs collaborate to create legally sound mechanisms aimed at enhancing the electoral processes. This would include the sharing of resources such as the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), electoral rolls, and training facilities to standardize how elections are conducted across various levels. A designated team comprising legal and technical specialists, led by senior officials from the EC, will evaluate the suggestions from the SECs. The team is expected to provide a state-wise action plan to the EC within three months to facilitate effective decision-making.

Differing Legal Provisions for Various Elections

Currently, elections for Lok Sabha and state assemblies are governed by the Representation of the People Act and associated Conduct of Elections Rules. In contrast, the panchayat and municipal elections follow the laws enacted by individual state or Union Territory authorities. This discrepancy means that electoral roll preparation, polling procedures, and voting methods can considerably differ within the same state or UT, despite the shared pool of state officers involved in the election processes. An EC official mentioned that streamlining these legal frameworks could enhance logistical coordination and ensure cleaner electoral rolls.

Support from SECs of BJP-Governed States

During the conference, it was noted that the SECs from states and Union Territories governed by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) endorsed the proposal unanimously. This support reflects a broader consensus on the need to improve the coordination between the EC and SECs while respecting their distinct constitutional roles.

Advocating for Technological Integration

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, in his address to the SECs, emphasized the necessity for institutional cooperation within the framework of their constitutional mandates. He advocated for a harmonized approach in managing electoral rolls and encouraged the adoption of modern technology. Moreover, he highlighted the importance of sharing best practices among different electoral bodies to improve the efficiency of the electoral system.

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