ECI to convene National Conference of State Election Commissioners to enhance electoral collaboration

‎The Election Commission of India (ECI) is set to host a National Conference of State Election Commissioners (SECs) on February 24 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. This marks the first national-level meeting of election authorities from across the country in more than 25 years, with participation expected from SECs representing all States and Union Territories.

‎The last such conference was held in 1999. The upcoming event aims to strengthen institutional coordination between the ECI and State Election Commissions amid an increasingly complex electoral environment.

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‎Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar will chair the conference, accompanied by Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi. They will kick off the event with an inaugural address to guide the day’s discussions.

“The conference offers a valuable opportunity to renew dialogue and deepen cooperation between the Election Commission of India and the State Election Commissions, each operating within their distinct constitutional and legal frameworks,” said the Chief Election Commissioner. “Our shared goal is to uphold transparent, inclusive, and technologically advanced elections at every level.”

‎State Election Commissioners, along with their legal and technical experts, will participate in comprehensive discussions on policy and operational matters. Additionally, Chief Electoral Officers from all 36 States and Union Territories will attend.

‎The primary objective is to foster synergy between the ECI and SECs in managing electoral processes and logistics while respecting their respective legal mandates. Key topics will include electoral laws on voter eligibility, technological initiatives like the ECINET digital platform, the management of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), and best practices in electoral roll preparation and election administration.

‎State Election Commissions, established under the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments through State legislation, oversee the preparation of electoral rolls and conduct elections for Panchayats and Municipal Bodies.

‎An Election Commissioner highlighted that the conference will facilitate alignment of strategies, sharing of best practices, and exploration of how technology and legal clarity can strengthen grassroots democracy.

‎The ECI anticipates that this conference will lay the foundation for ongoing collaboration between national and state election bodies, reinforcing the integrity and effectiveness of India’s multi-tier electoral system.