ECI holds first national round table with State Election Commissioners in 27 years
The Election Commission of India held a National Round Table Conference with State Election Commissioners at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, on 24 February 2026, the first such conference in 27 years.
Summary
The Election Commission of India (ECI) held a National Round Table Conference with State Election Commissioners (SECs) at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, on 24 February 2026, the first such conference in 27 years. Chaired by Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar with Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi, it brought together the SECs of 30 States. They adopted the National Declaration 2026, agreed to meet annually, and resolved to work towards sharing ECINET, EVMs, electoral rolls and IIIDEM training, and to align the laws on panchayat and municipal elections with those for Parliament and State Legislatures. The ECI publication 'A Confluence of Democracies' was also released. SECs conduct elections to panchayats and municipalities under Articles 243K and 243ZA of the Constitution, and the State Election Commissioner is appointed by the Governor.
Key facts
- Date and place
- 24 February 2026, Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi
- First in
- 27 years
- Chair
- CEC Gyanesh Kumar
- Participants
- SECs of 30 States
- Outcome
- National Declaration 2026; annual conference
- Publication
- 'A Confluence of Democracies'
- Constitution
- SECs under Art. 243K (panchayats) and 243ZA (municipalities); SEC appointed by Governor
Practice MCQs 3 questions
The National Round Table Conference of the ECI and State Election Commissioners held on 24 February 2026 took place after a gap of how many years?
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Correct answer: C — 27 years
The SECs noted that the conference was held after a gap of 27 years; it is now to be held annually.
Which document was adopted by the ECI and State Election Commissioners at the round table on 24 February 2026?
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Correct answer: B — National Declaration 2026
The SECs adopted the National Declaration 2026, affirming that pure electoral rolls are the bedrock of democracy.
Consider the following statements about State Election Commissions: 1. Under Articles 243K and 243ZA, they superintend the preparation of electoral rolls and conduct of elections to Panchayats and Municipalities. 2. The State Election Commissioner is appointed by the Chief Election Commissioner of India. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. Under Article 243K, the State Election Commissioner is appointed by the Governor and can be removed only like a High Court judge.