New Delhi: The Election Commission of India (ECI) will convene a National Round Table Conference with State Election Commissioners (SECs) on February 24, 2026, at Bharat Mandapam in the national capital. The high-level meeting is being organised after a gap of 27 years, with the last such conference held in 1999.
High-Level Participation
The conference will be chaired by Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar in the presence of Election Commissioners Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Dr. Vivek Joshi. State Election Commissioners from all States and Union Territories are expected to participate, accompanied by their legal and technical teams.
Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) from all 36 States and Union Territories will also attend the day-long deliberations, making it one of the most comprehensive gatherings of election management bodies in recent years.
Strengthening Electoral Synergy
The primary objective of the National Round Table Conference is to enhance coordination between the ECI and the State Election Commissions within their respective legal frameworks. The discussions aim to promote synergy in electoral processes and logistics while reinforcing the spirit of cooperative federalism.
Officials indicated that the deliberations will focus on harmonising best practices, strengthening transparency, and improving operational efficiency in the conduct of elections at various levels.
Focus on EVMs, Electoral Rolls and Technology
A major part of the conference will revolve around the sharing of technology, particularly in relation to Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and electoral rolls. Presentations will outline the robustness, safeguards, and transparency measures built into the EVM system.
Senior Commission officials will also present key technological initiatives, including the recently launched ECINET digital platform, which aims to streamline electoral services and improve citizen interface.
Comparative discussions on voter eligibility criteria under the Representation of the People Act, 1950, across different States and Union Territories will also be held to facilitate informed dialogue on legal frameworks governing electoral roll preparation.
Role of State Election Commissions
State Election Commissions function under the constitutional framework provided by the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments. They are entrusted with the superintendence, direction, and control of electoral roll preparation and conduct of elections to Panchayats and Municipal Bodies under Articles 243K and 243ZA of the Constitution.
The conference is expected to provide an institutional platform for discussing challenges faced in local body elections and exploring solutions through collaboration with the Election Commission of India.
Reinforcing Democratic Institutions
With India being the world’s largest democracy, the ECI has consistently focused on strengthening electoral integrity and technological advancement. The upcoming Round Table Conference underscores the Commission’s commitment to transparency, innovation, and cooperation between central and state election authorities.
The deliberations on February 24 are expected to set the tone for future reforms and collaborative efforts in electoral management across the country.
