| Article 243K • The State Election Commission (SEC) is responsible for supervising, directing, and controlling the preparation of electoral rolls and the conduct of elections to Panchayats. • The SEC is appointed by the Governor and enjoys independence, with its conditions of service protected to ensure autonomy. Article 243ZA • It pertains to the SEC’s role in supervising and conducting elections to municipalities. • It ensures the SEC has similar powers and autonomy as in Panchayat elections, safeguarding the integrity of municipal elections. |
- Recently, the Karnataka SEC filed a contempt petition against the Karnataka government for delaying panchayat elections by over three and a half years.
- In another incident, the Andhra Pradesh SEC faced legal challenges when the state government tried to hinder panchayat elections.
- The Election Commission of India (ECI) is renowned for its track record of conducting free, fair, and timely elections. However, the 34 State Election Commissions (SECs) require significant attention and strengthening.
- SECs were established by Articles 243K and 243ZA of the Constitution (introduced by the 73rd and 74th amendments in 1993), giving them control over elections to panchayats and urban local governments (ULGs).
- Despite this mandate, SECs are increasingly disempowered, often finding themselves in legal battles with their state governments.
Dig Deeper: Compare the Election Commission of India with State Election Commissions.
