Karwar: To further strengthen electoral processes within the legal framework, the Election Commission has instructed all election officials to hold meetings with the presidents and senior leaders of political parties.

In matters related to elections, unresolved issues at the taluk level should be addressed by Election Registration Officers (ERO), at the district level by District Election Officers (DEO), and at the state level by Chief Electoral Officers (CEO). Additionally, all national and state political parties have been directed to consolidate their suggestions and submit them to the Election Commission of India by April 30, 2025.

In a personal letter sent to political parties, the Commission stated that a platform has been created for discussions with party presidents and senior leaders at a mutually convenient time, in accordance with established laws, to further strengthen electoral processes.

Earlier, during last week's conference of Chief Electoral Officers of all states convened by the Election Commission of India, Chief Election Commissioner Jnanesh Kumar had instructed Chief Electoral Officers, District Election Officers, and Election Registration Officers of all states and union territories to regularly engage with political parties. It was emphasized that any suggestions received during such meetings should be strictly addressed within the legal framework, and a report on actions taken should be submitted to the Commission by March 31, 2025. Furthermore, political parties were urged to collaborate with the Election Commission’s initiative to reinforce democracy.

The Election Commission of India, operating within the constitutional and legal framework, recognizes political parties as one of the key stakeholders among the 28 identified participants in the electoral process. In its letter to political parties, the Commission highlighted that the Representation of the People Acts of 1950 and 1951, the Registration of Electors Rules of 1960, the Conduct of Election Rules of 1961, as well as guidelines and directives issued by the Supreme Court and the Election Commission of India, are all available on the Election Commission’s website. The statement further noted that the Commission has established a decentralized and transparent legal framework to ensure free and fair elections.