ECI, State Poll Panels Move to Align Laws for Local Body and Lok Sabha Elections
Conference Focuses on Electoral Roll Sharing, EVM Use and Technology Integration
India, Feb 25: The Election Commission of India (ECI) and State Election Commissions (SECs) have resolved to strengthen coordination and harmonise legal frameworks governing local body and parliamentary elections. The decision was taken at a national conference held after a gap of 27 years.
A joint declaration emphasised the need to develop mutually acceptable and legally viable mechanisms to streamline election processes. This includes sharing electoral rolls, Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), and access to the ECINET digital platform to improve efficiency and transparency.
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar underscored that maintaining accurate electoral rolls remains fundamental to democracy and called for closer collaboration between the ECI and state poll authorities. While the ECI conducts elections for the President, Vice President, Parliament, and state legislatures under the Representation of the People Acts, SECs oversee panchayat and municipal polls.
The conference also featured discussions on EVM lifecycle management and technology upgrades. The ECI reiterated its willingness to provide technical and training support to state bodies to enhance election management systems.
