New Delhi: The Election Commission of India (ECI) will hold a meeting of all recognized national and state political parties on various electoral reforms in New Delhi today.
The agenda for the meeting includes discussion on the fidelity of electoral rolls. The ECI has invited the views of all parties on measures to improve the accuracy, transparency and inclusivity of electoral rolls in view of the upcoming elections to the Lok Sabha and the State Assemblies.
The EC has always been keen to strengthen the democratic system of the country by improving its existing electoral system and practices. Discussion on enforcement measures to ensure timely submission of annual audited reports, election expenditure reports is on the agenda. Issues related to Expenditure Ceiling for Legislative Council Elections and Limiting Political Party Expenditure will be discussed in the meeting.
On gender representation in political parties, the Commission will invite views on measures that political parties can undertake to encourage enhanced representation of women within the organizational structure of the political party. Another issue that will come up in the meeting relates to election campaign silence period.
The discussion on this topic will cover inclusion of print media within the ambit of the provisions of the Representation of the People Act and the issue of online canvassing to promote or prejudice the electoral prospects of a party or candidate on social media during the last 48 hours before the conclusion of polling.
Important issues like alternative modes of voting for domestic migrants and absentee voters will also be taken. The views and feedback of political parties regarding efforts to encourage electoral participation of Voters with Disabilities will also be discussed.
Ms Kalinga