Answer:
- Acting under Articles 243K and 243ZA, and the Panchayati Raj Act, 1994 and Rajasthan Municipality Act, 2009, the State Election Commission performs a wide range of functions to ensure free and fair local body elections.
1. Preparation and Management of Electoral Rolls
- Prepares and periodically updates the electoral rolls for Panchayati Raj and Urban Local Body elections [Article 243K(1)].
- Ensures photo-enabled ID cards and accurate voter lists are maintained.
2. Conduct and Supervision of Elections
- Announces election dates and phases, and issues the voting schedule.
- Exercises superintendence, direction, and control over the entire election process [Articles 243K(1), 243ZA].
- Appoints election officers and zonal/sector magistrates for supervision.
3. Enforcement of Electoral Discipline
- Enforces the Model Code of Conduct with the assistance of the district administration.
- Allocates election symbols and resolves related disputes (no party symbols used in Gram Panchayat elections).
4. Handling Contingencies
- Can postpone or cancel elections under special circumstances.
- Conducts by-elections where more than six months of the term remain.
5. Voter Facilitation
- Ensures polling stations have basic facilities: drinking water, toilets, ramps for persons with disabilities.
- Runs the SVEEP programme for voter education and participation.
- Provides postal ballot facility for home voting under the Postal Buddy Portal, for senior citizens aged 85+ and persons with disabilities.
6. Advisory and Reform Functions
- Advises the State Government on reservation matters, including seat allocation for Gram Panchayats and Panchayat Samitis.
- Introduces election reforms and innovations such as EVMs.