Election Commission urges amendments to ensure smooth polls to GBA corporations
In a letter to additional chief secretary of the urban development department, state election commissioner GS Sangreshi highlighted the absence of clarity in the current law regarding preparation of electoral rolls and conduct of elections.
In his letter, he said: "Section 35 of the Greater Bengaluru Governance Act-2024 does not specify whether the SEC should prepare electoral rolls or adopt the Legislative Assembly electoral rolls."
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To address this, the commission has proposed two options: Amend Section 35 to allow the SEC to prepare electoral rolls in line with the Registration of Electors Rules-1960, framed under the Representation of People's Act-1950; or alternatively, adopt the assembly rolls, provided the govt frames rules enabling their use.
"The letter also suggested aligning Section 35 with provisions in other state laws, such as the Karnataka Municipal Corporation Act-1976, and the Karnataka Municipalities Act- 1964 which include clear guidelines for electoral roll preparation," a source said.
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The commission has asked the govt to frame rules under Section 68 of the Act to govern elections for key urban posts. "There is a need for the govt to frame rules under Section 68 of the Greater Bengaluru Governance Act-2024 for conducting elections for councillors, mayors, deputy mayors, and standing committee chairpersons," the letter states.
Currently, Karnataka Municipal Corporations (Election) Rules-1979 are in use for elections in other municipal corporations.
The SEC has recommended their adoption for Bengaluru's five city corporations to maintain procedural uniformity and avoid legal ambiguity.
The commission also stressed urgency of govt intervention. "The SEC urged the govt to take prompt action to amend Section 35, frame necessary rules, or adopt existing ones to facilitate the smooth conduct of elections under the Act," the letter stated. "These measures are essential for upholding the democratic process in the newly established multiple city corporations in Bengaluru," it added.
The govt is yet to respond to the proposal.
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