State Election Commission
State Election Commissions (SECs) are independent constitutional authority responsible for conducting elections to local governments within a state or union territory in India. Each state and union territory in India has its own State Election Commission. A general overview of the role and functions:
- Conducting Local Body Elections
- Delimitation of Constituencies
- Enforcing Election Code of Conduct
- Reservation of posts and constituencies
- Registration of Political Parties
- Monitoring Election Expenses
- Addressing Election-related Disputes
- Educating Voters
- Disqualification of representatives – Defection, not convening grama sabhas etc
The State Election Commission, Kerala came into existence on 3rd December 1993.
The State Election Commissioner is appointed by the Governor of Kerala under clause (1) of Article 243 K of the Constitution of India. The tenure of the State Election Commissioner is for a period of five years from the date he assumed charge or till he attains the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.
The details of various State Election Commissioners appointed are as follows.
SEC | Year of Appointment | State Election Commissioner |
1st State Election Commissioner | 1993 | MSK Ramaswamy IAS (Retd.) |
2nd State Election Commissioner | 1996 | MS Joseph IAS (Retd.) |
3rd State Election Commissioner | 2001 | N. Mohandas IAS (Retd.) |
4th State Election Commissioner | 2006 | P. Kamalkutty IAS (Retd.) |
5th State Election Commissioner | 2011 | K. Sasidharan Nair |
6th State Election Commissioner | 2016 | V. Bhaskaran |
7th State Election Commissioner | 2021 | Shri. A. Shahjahan |
The State Election Commissioner is one of the members of the Delimitation Commission of India, setup under Delimitation Act 2002, to delimit the boundaries of Assembly and Parliamentary constituencies in the State. State Election Commissioner is also the Chairman of the State Delimitation Commission constituted from time to time, to delimit the constituencies of Panchayats and wards of Municipalities and Municipal Corporations in the State.
Conducting Local Body Elections: The primary responsibility of the State Election Commission is to organize and conduct elections for local governments such as panchayats, municipalities, and corporations. This includes preparing electoral rolls, setting election dates, supervising the polling process, and announcing election results.
Delimitation of Constituencies: SECs also play a role in delimiting constituencies for local body elections. This involves defining the boundaries of electoral wards or constituencies to ensure fair representation.
Enforcing Election Code of Conduct: SECs enforce the Model Code of Conduct during the election period to ensure that political parties and candidates adhere to ethical standards and maintain a level playing field.
Registration of Political Parties: State Election Commissions may also have the authority to register and recognize political parties at the local level.
Monitoring Election Expenses: SECs monitor and regulate election expenses of candidates and political parties in local body elections to prevent overspending.
Addressing Election-related Disputes: SECs handle complaints and disputes related to local body elections, including issues such as voter lists, candidature, and election irregularities.
Educating Voters: SECs often engage in voter education and awareness programs to inform citizens about the importance of participating in local body elections and the voting process.
