The Election Commissions of SAARC countries have adopted a charter to set up a joint forum to promote mutual cooperation for enhancing their capabilities in conducting free and fair elections. The Charter was adopted at the 3rd Conference of Heads of Election Management Bodies, EMBs, of the countries which concluded in New Delhi today. India will chair the first meeting of the forum which will be held in Myanmar next year.

After two days of discussions, the EMBs unanimously adopted a resolution to foster cooperation and share electoral experiences through this permanent forum. The Chief Election Commissioner S Y Quraishi signed the charter on behalf of the Election Commission of India.

AIR correspondent reports that the 3-day conference saw sharing of experience between the Commissions on empowerment of the EMBs apart from voters education, technology intergation, and controlling of money power in elections.