Context
The Election Commission of India (ECI) is exploring a framework to coordinate with the State Election Commissions (SECs) with respect to sharing of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), harmonizing electoral rolls and using common digital platforms (like ECI-IT).
What are State Election Commissions?
- They are constitutional bodies responsible for conducting free and fair elections at the local self-government level (Panchayats and Municipalities).
- They were created via 73rd (Panchayats) and 74th (Municipalities) Constitutional Amendment Acts in 1992, which institutionalized SECs as independent authorities.
- Constitutional Provisions:
- Article 243K (Part IX – Panchayats): Vests superintendence, direction, and control of Panchayat elections in the SEC. Applies to rural local bodies.
- Article 243ZA (Part IXA – Municipalities): SEC conducts elections to Urban Local Bodies (ULBs).
- Appointment: Appointed by the Governor of the State. Service conditions determined by the State Legislature.
- Removal Safeguard: State Election Commissioner can be removed only in the same manner and on the same grounds as a High Court Judge. Service conditions cannot be altered to their disadvantage after appointment. This ensures institutional independence.
- Structure: Headed by a State Election Commissioner. Supported by officers and staff (as per State laws). Structure varies across States.
Powers and Functions of SECs
- Conduct elections to Panchayats and Municipalities
- Prepare and update electoral rolls
- Issue election notifications and schedules
- Enforce Model Code of Conduct (local level)
- Supervise nominations, polling, and counting
- Declare results
- Delimit local constituencies
- Register/deregister political parties for local elections (as per State laws)
Key Differences between ECI and SECs
| Feature | Election Commission of India | State Election Commission |
| 1. Constitutional Basis | Article 324 | Articles 243K & 243ZA |
| 2. Conducts Elections For | Parliament, State Legislatures, President, Vice-President | Panchayats & Municipalities |
| 3. Appointed By | President | Governor |
| 4. Removal | Like Supreme Court Judge | Like High Court Judge |
| 5. Jurisdiction | National & State Level | Local Bodies |
Challenges and Way Forward
| Challenges | Way Forward |
| 1. Variation in structure & procedures across States | Develop a mutually agreed coordination framework |
| 2. Concerns over erosion of SEC autonomy | Ensure no encroachment on constitutional powers |
| 3. Digital integration complexity | Create standardised & interoperable IT architecture |
| 4. Duplication or mismatch in electoral rolls | Harmonise databases while maintaining separate constitutional authority |
FAQs
Q1. What are State Election Commissions (SECs)?
They are independent constitutional bodies that conduct elections to Panchayats and Municipalities, created under the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments (1992).
Q2. What constitutional provisions govern State Election Commissions (SECs)?
- Article 243K: Elections to Panchayats
- Article 243ZA: Elections to Municipalities
Q3. How are State Election Commissioners appointed and removed?
Appointed by the Governor; removed only like a High Court Judge, ensuring independence.
Q4. What are the main functions of State Election Commissions (SECs)?
They conduct local elections, prepare electoral rolls, enforce the Model Code of Conduct, supervise polling and counting, declare results, and delimit constituencies.
Q5. How do State Election Commissions (SECs) differ from the Election Commission of India (ECI)?
The ECI oversees national and state-level elections (Parliament, Assemblies, President, VP), while SECs handle local body elections (Panchayats and Municipalities).
