ECI Invites Political Parties for Consultations on Electoral Issues; Seeks Suggestions by April 30, 2025

As key stakeholders in the electoral process, political parties play a crucial role in ensuring the robustness and transparency of elections.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has reached out to all National and State political parties, inviting their suggestions on any unresolved electoral issues at the level of Electoral Registration Officers (ERO), District Election Officers (DEO), or the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO). The deadline for submission of suggestions is April 30, 2025.

In an official communication issued today, the Commission also proposed direct interactions with Party Presidents and senior representatives at a mutually convenient time to discuss and enhance electoral processes while adhering to the established legal framework.

Strengthening Electoral Engagement

This initiative follows instructions from Chief Election Commissioner Shri Gyanesh Kumar during an ECI conference last week, where he directed CEOs, DEOs, and EROs across all States and Union Territories to maintain regular dialogue with political parties. Any suggestions received during these meetings are to be addressed strictly within the existing legal provisions, with an action taken report to be submitted to the Commission by March 31, 2025. The Commission has emphasized the need for political parties to proactively engage in this structured consultative mechanism to facilitate smoother electoral procedures.

Legal Framework and Transparency

As key stakeholders in the electoral process, political parties play a crucial role in ensuring the robustness and transparency of elections. The Commission underscored that the entire electoral process operates within the legal boundaries set by:

• The Representation of the People Act, 1950 & 1951
• Registration of Electors Rules, 1960
• Conduct of Election Rules, 1961
• Orders issued by the Hon’ble Supreme Court
• Various Instructions, Manuals, and Handbooks issued by ECI

All these legal resources, available on the ECI website, provide a decentralised yet structured approach to conducting free and fair elections in the country.

Call for Meaningful Participation

The Commission urged political parties to utilize the existing mechanism effectively and put forward constructive inputs for improving the electoral process. These consultations aim to further enhance transparency, fairness, and efficiency in elections while ensuring all concerns are addressed within the statutory framework.

With this step, the ECI reiterates its commitment to upholding the integrity of elections and fostering inclusive dialogue among all political stakeholders.