ECI Says All Decisions, Including SIR, Taken Unanimously by Full Commission
New Delhi, September 23, 2026: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has stated that all decisions taken by the Commission, including those concerning the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, have been approved unanimously by the full Commission.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the ECI emphasized that it functions as a constitutional authority under Article 324 of the Constitution of India, along with applicable laws, statutory rules and established institutional procedures.
The Commission said that, as a multi-member constitutional body, it routinely follows internal processes involving written observations, suggestions, technical inputs and scrutiny at different stages. According to the ECI, these mechanisms are intended to strengthen transparency, ensure compliance with the law and maintain operational standards.
Internal Deliberations Part of Institutional Process
The ECI clarified that comments, questions or suggestions raised by Commission members during the preparation of draft decisions are part of the normal decision-making process. Such inputs, it said, are aimed at strengthening electoral procedures and protecting voters’ rights.
The Commission also noted that differences in views during deliberations are a normal feature of institutional functioning. Commissioners as well as other authorized officers may place suggestions before the Commission where they believe improvements can be made to the electoral system.
The ECI further stated that focusing on selected internal notes or observations from a 10-month period without considering the broader range of approvals, decisions and reforms could provide an incomplete picture of its functioning.
Around 40 Electoral Initiatives and Reforms
According to the Commission, approximately 40 new initiatives have been introduced in recent months alongside several electoral reforms. These include electoral-roll revision exercises, including the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) undertaken in different parts of the country.
The ECI maintained that the decisions and initiatives implemented during the past year were the result of unanimous decisions of the full Commission.
The Commission also pointed to the successful conduct of major elections in Bihar, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Assam and West Bengal during the period. It said these electoral exercises required extensive administrative coordination and involved numerous approvals, directions and operational measures.
ECI Addresses Digital Security Concerns
The Commission also addressed questions concerning the security of its digital platforms. It said systems such as ECINet are protected through established data-security mechanisms intended to prevent unauthorized access, tampering and manipulation.
According to the ECI, regular information-technology security checks and audit mechanisms form part of the cybersecurity framework used for national-level digital systems.
The Commission further clarified that statutory officials, including Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) and District Election Officers (DEOs), exercise their respective legal powers in matters relating to voter registration and deletion in accordance with applicable law.
ECI Reaffirms Constitutional Commitment
Concluding its statement, the Election Commission reaffirmed its commitment to carrying out its constitutional responsibilities with integrity and according to the legal framework governing elections.
The Commission said its institutional role remains focused on protecting the electoral process and strengthening the functioning of India’s democratic system.
— Suman Munshi
IBG NEWS
