In a major push for electoral integrity, India’s Election Commission organized a high-level National Roundtable with State Election Commissioners on February 24, 2026, at the iconic Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. Chaired by CEC Gyanesh Kumar, the meeting featured Election Commissioners Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Dr. Vivek Joshi, with full participation from state and UT commissioners, their experts, and chief electoral officers.
The agenda spotlighted the creation of flawless voter lists, described as democracy’s cornerstone. CEC Kumar highlighted how seamless, transparent elections empower the democratic process, calling for unprecedented collaboration between central and state election bodies.
Proposals included mutual agreements for sharing ECI’s world-class tools—ECI-Net, EVMs, voter databases, and training via the Election Management Institute. Harmonizing local body election laws with national standards emerged as a priority, alongside active involvement in global electoral forums.
The ECI recommended holding these national conferences annually, timed with international engagements. State inputs will be meticulously analyzed by expert panels, leading to tailored plans for each state and UT within three months, all aimed at national welfare.
This initiative exemplifies cooperative federalism at work, enhancing election efficiency through better tech and legal alignment. As India strides toward its democratic future, such forums promise to elevate the credibility and effectiveness of its electoral system.