New Delhi, September 23, 2026:
In a press note issued on September 23, the Commission said it functions under Article 324 of the Constitution, statutory rules and established institutional conventions. It stated that its actions have been undertaken in accordance with applicable laws and instructions.
The Commission further said that official orders, decisions and administrative directions issued by it follow legal procedures under the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023.
Internal suggestions described as part of the process
The ECI said operational queries or inputs raised by Commission members during draft stages are part of standard administrative practice and are intended to safeguard voter rights.
It added that differing views and observations are a normal part of institutional deliberation before a final decision is taken. According to the Commission, not only the three Election Commissioners but every officer of the Commission is authorised to give suggestions aimed at improving the electoral system.
Commission refers to recent electoral reforms
The press note also addressed what it described as the highlighting of specific internal notes and observations over a period of 10 months.
The Commission said that focusing on individual internal documents while overlooking the broader volume of approvals, decisions, instructions and initiatives gives only part of the picture.
According to the ECI, it has issued numerous decisions and instructions in recent months, including around 40 new initiatives, and undertaken several electoral reforms, including the conduct of Special Intensive Revision (SIR) across the country.
The Commission said these decisions were the outcome of unanimous decisions of the full Commission over the preceding year.
Digital security
The ECI also highlighted security measures surrounding its digital platforms, including ECINet.
It said its digital platforms operate under strict data-security protocols designed to prevent unauthorised tampering, manipulation and other forms of interference. The Commission said IT security checks and audit controls are standard cybersecurity measures implemented across national databases.
The press note further stated that statutory authorities, including Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) and District Election Officers (DEOs), function according to their statutory powers concerning electoral registration and deletion.
Reference to recent elections
The Commission said it had recently conducted major elections in Bihar, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Assam and West Bengal, along with election-related exercises during the period.
It said the work involved extensive administrative and operational machinery as well as numerous Commission approvals and instructions.
The ECI concluded the statement by reaffirming its commitment to carrying out its constitutional duties with integrity and to its role in advancing democracy.
Source: Election Commission of India press note, No. ECI/PN/119/2026, dated 23 September 2026.
Editorial note: Dweep Tulika has based this report on the ECI press note visible in the supplied source image. A current searchable copy of the document could not be independently located through the web search conducted for this report.