New Delhi, 22 February (H.S.): The Election Commission of India (ECI) will host a National Roundtable Conference with State Election Commissioners (SECs) at Bharat Mandapam on Tuesday, February 24, marking the first such gathering in 27 years since the previous one in 1999.

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar will preside over the proceedings, joined by Election Commissioners Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Dr. Vivek Joshi. All State and Union Territory SECs, accompanied by their legal and technical experts, alongside the Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) of all 36 States and UTs, are set to participate.

The primary objective is to foster cooperative federalism by enhancing coordination between central and state electoral bodies within their respective legal frameworks. Throughout the day-long conclave, discussions will fortify electoral processes through advancements in technology, Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), and voter list integration, with in-depth deliberations on EVM robustness, transparency, and security protocols.

Senior ECI officials will present on the newly launched ECINET digital platform, underscoring its transformative potential in streamlining electoral services. A comparative overview of voter eligibility under the Representation of the People Act, 1950, across jurisdictions will facilitate informed discourse on electoral roll preparation.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar