ECI To Host National SEC Conference

The Election Commission of India will host a National Conference of State Election Commissioners on 24 February 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The meeting will bring together State Election Commissioners from all States and Union Territories, along with their legal and technical experts. Chief Electoral Officers from all 36 States and Union Territories will also attend. The conference is being held after a gap of more than 25 years, with the last such meeting held in 1999.

Purpose Of The Conference

The main aim is to improve coordination between the Election Commission of India and State Election Commissions. The focus will be on electoral processes, election logistics and the legal framework governing local body elections. The conference is expected to create greater synergy in election management across institutions.

Key Issues For Discussion

Participants will discuss several important subjects, including:

• Electoral laws relating to voter eligibility in States and Union Territories.
• Technological interventions in election management.
• The ECINET digital platform recently launched by the Election Commission of India.
• Use and management of Electronic Voting Machines.
• Preparation of electoral rolls and conduct of elections.

Constitutional And Legal Framework

State Election Commissions are created under the empowering provisions of the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments. They are established by State law and are responsible for the superintendence, direction and control of electoral rolls and elections to Panchayats and Municipal Bodies. The conference will also allow the Election Commission of India to share its experience in election administration within the constitutional framework.

Significance For Electoral Governance

The conference is expected to strengthen institutional coordination in India’s election system. It may help standardise practices, improve use of technology and support better electoral roll management. It also reflects the growing importance of cooperation between national and State-level election authorities in local governance elections.