Archive · 12 Aug 2025
Report: State Election Commissions Lack Powers, Delaying Elections
Imagine local government elections, like choosing leaders for your city.
A new report says these elections are often delayed because the people in charge (SECs) don't have enough power.
They can't always decide where voting areas are or who can run.
This lets state governments change the rules, causing confusion.
The report suggests changing the rules so the SECs can do their job properly and elections happen on time, just like choosing leaders for the country.
A report highlights delays in urban local government (ULG) elections due to constraints on State Election Commissions (SECs).
The report states most SECs lack authority over ward delimitation and reservation processes.
The report indicates that state governments can change rules, causing electoral uncertainty.
61% of ULGs in 17 states have faced election delays, as per CAG reports.
The report suggests constitutional amendments to empower SECs and define election timelines.
- Who
- Janaagraha released the report.
- What
- A report highlighting delays in urban local government elections and issues with State Election Commissions' powers.
- When
- The report was released on August 6.
- Where
- Delhi, India.
- Why
- To address delays and issues with urban local government elections.
Status Quo
Proposed Reforms
Election Delays
Status Quo
Current rules allow state governments to delay elections.
Proposed Reforms
The report proposes defining election timelines and giving more authority to SECs.
- Report Publisher
- Janaagraha
- Date of Release
- August 6
- Location of Release
- Delhi
- SECs with ward delimitation & reservation powers
- 8 out of 34
- ULGs with election delays (CAG data)
- 61% in 17 states
- Constitution Amendment Recommendation
- To define timelines and empower SECs