ECI proposes synergy with SECs to align electoral processes nationwide

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has proposed to work out mutually acceptable mechanisms and legally viable frameworks with all State Election Commissions (SEC) across the country to synergise election-related processes, including the sharing of Electronic Voting Machines (EVM), electoral rolls and the ECINET digital platform.

At a National Round Table Conference of the ECI and State Election Commissioners (SEC), which concluded in New Delhi on Tuesday (February 24, 2026), a declaration was adopted stating that ECI and SECs would work together to synergise the laws governing elections to panchayats and municipal bodies with those relating to elections to Parliament and State Legislatures, and strengthen cooperation to further national and constitutional interest, according to an official statement issued by the ECI on Wednesday (February 25, 2026).

State Election Commissions from 30 States participated in the conference, chaired by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar. The meet was held after a gap of 27 years.

The SECs affirmed that the preparation of pure electoral rolls forms the bedrock of democracy and that transparent and efficient conduct of elections further strengthens democratic institutions.

CEC Gyanesh Kumar underscored the importance of strengthening institutional coordination between the ECI and SECs within their respective constitutional mandates. He emphasised harmonised approaches in electoral roll management, adoption of technology, and the sharing of best practices to enhance the integrity and efficiency of electoral processes, the statement said.

In line with this, the ECI proposed to work out mutually acceptable mechanisms and legally viable frameworks with all SECs across the country to synergise election-related processes, including the sharing of ECINET, EVMs, electoral rolls and the training infrastructure at India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management (IIIDEM), a senior ECI official said.

All suggestions received from SECs during the conference will be examined by a joint team of legal and technical officers led by the Deputy Election Commissioners concerned of the ECI. A State/UT-wise roadmap will be submitted to the Commission within three months for an appropriate decision, the official said.