India’s Election Commission Hosts Key CEO Conference
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has launched a pivotal two-day conference for Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) from all states and Union Territories at the Indian Institute of Democracy and Election Management (IIIDEM) in New Delhi. This marks the first conference under the leadership of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar. The event aims to enhance election management practices across the nation, focusing on transparency and adherence to legal frameworks.
Emphasizing Transparency and Accountability
During the opening address, CEC Gyanesh Kumar urged all electoral officials, including CEOs, District Election Officers (DEOs), Electoral Registration Officers (EROs), and Booth Level Officers (BLOs), to prioritize transparency in their operations. He stressed the importance of fulfilling statutory obligations in accordance with the Representation of the People Acts of 1950 and 1951, as well as the Registration of Electors Rules of 1960 and the Conduct of Elections Rules of 1961. Kumar highlighted that officials must be approachable and responsive to political parties, ensuring regular meetings at all statutory levels to address any concerns effectively.
In a directive aimed at improving communication, he mandated that each CEO submit an issue-wise action report to their respective District Election Committees (DECs) by March 31, 2025. This initiative is designed to foster a collaborative environment among electoral officials and political entities, enhancing the overall electoral process.
Ensuring Voter Registration and Accessibility
CEC Kumar emphasized the critical role of electoral officials in ensuring that all eligible citizens, particularly those over 18 years of age, are registered as voters, as stipulated in Articles 325 and 326 of the Indian Constitution. He instructed that all BLOs receive training to interact courteously with voters, while also safeguarding electoral staff from intimidation through false claims.
To improve voter accessibility, officials were directed to maintain between 800 to 1,200 voters per polling booth, ensuring that each booth is located within a two-kilometer radius of voters’ residences. The establishment of polling booths equipped with essential facilities in rural areas is also a priority. Additionally, efforts will be made to set up polling stations in high-rise buildings and slum clusters to boost voter turnout in urban regions.
Strengthening Stakeholder Engagement
The conference has identified 28 key stakeholders involved in the electoral process, including CEOs, DEOs, EROs, political parties, candidates, and polling agents. The ECI aims to enhance the capacity of these stakeholders by dividing them into four cohorts: Electoral Rolls, Conduct of Elections, Supervisory/Enforcement, and Political Parties/Candidates. Each cohort will operate under the guidance of one of the four DECs within the Commission.
This initiative is particularly notable as it includes participation from one DEO and one ERO from each state and Union Territory for the first time. The conference is expected to yield further insights and strategies to improve the electoral framework in India, with more details to be released following the conclusion of the event.
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