Is ECI Ready for Nationwide SIR at the CEOs’ Conference?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Focus on inclusivity in the electoral process is paramount.
- The rationalization of polling stations aims to ensure equitable representation.
- Best practices shared by states will guide future SIR efforts.
- Digitization of electoral rolls is a priority for transparency.
- Training for key electoral officers is essential for effective SIR execution.
New Delhi, Sep 10 (NationPress) The Election Commission of India (ECI) gathered on Wednesday for the third Conference of Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) representing all States and Union Territories at the India International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Management (IIIDEM) in the capital. The aim was to evaluate the preparations for the forthcoming nationwide Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
The event was inaugurated by Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, accompanied by Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi.
The primary emphasis was on achieving uniformity, transparency, and inclusivity during the revision process nationwide.
To share best practices, the CEO of Bihar delivered an in-depth presentation on the strategies, challenges, and innovations utilized during the state's SIR process, providing valuable insights for other regions.
CEOs from various States and UTs shared statistics regarding the number of electors, the qualifying date of the last revision, and the status of electoral rolls as per the last completed SIR.
They also provided updates on the digitization and posting of rolls on official CEO websites, along with initiatives to map current electors to historical records.
In the interest of equitable representation and accessibility, the Commission assessed the rationalization of polling stations, reaffirming its directive that no polling station should accommodate more than 1,200 electors.
The conference further highlighted the importance of inclusivity during the enrolment process. CEOs proposed a range of documents to streamline voter registration while preserving integrity, with the Commission emphasizing that no eligible citizen should be excluded and no ineligible individual included.
Additionally, the Commission evaluated the appointment and training status of District Election Officers (DEOs), Electoral Registration Officers (EROs), Assistant Electoral Registration Officers (AEROs), Booth Level Officers (BLOs), and Booth Level Agents (BLAs), all of whom are crucial to the SIR initiative.