- The Election Commission of India (ECI) is an autonomous constitutional authority responsible for conducting elections in India.
- Established under Article 324 of the Indian Constitution.
- The ECI is responsible for elections to the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, State Legislative Assemblies, and offices of the President and Vice President.
- The Commission consists of a Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and a variable number of Election Commissioners.
- Initially, the ECI was a single-member body, but since 1993, it has been a multi-member body.
- The Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners are appointed by the President of India.
- Their tenure is 6 years or until they attain the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.
- The removal process for the Chief Election Commissioner is similar to that of a Supreme Court judge to ensure independence.
- Election Commissioners can be removed on the recommendation of the Chief Election Commissioner.
- The ECI operates under the supervision of the Union Government, but its decisions are independent.
- The Commission is responsible for preparing and revising the electoral rolls periodically.
- ECI supervises the nomination process of candidates, ensures free and fair elections, and monitors election campaigns.
- The ECI has the power to recognize or derecognize political parties and allot election symbols.
- Ensures compliance with the Model Code of Conduct during elections.
- The ECI can order a re-poll in cases of malpractice.
- It has quasi-judicial powers to settle disputes related to the recognition of political parties and allocation of symbols.
- The Commission advises the President or Governor on matters of disqualification of legislators.
- The ECI uses advanced technology like Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) systems.
- The Commission undertakes voter education through campaigns like Systematic Voters' Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP).
- The ECI appoints Election Observers to monitor the conduct of elections at various levels.
- It collaborates with law enforcement agencies to prevent electoral malpractices.
- The ECI ensures inclusive elections by facilitating voter registration for marginalized groups.
- The Commission conducts periodic consultations with political parties and stakeholders.
- The ECI has the authority to postpone or cancel elections in case of natural disasters or significant disruptions.
- The Commission has the power to recommend the disqualification of candidates for violating election laws.
- It plays a role in the delimitation of parliamentary and assembly constituencies.
- The ECI ensures the secrecy of the vote and maintains the sanctity of the electoral process.
- The Commission monitors election expenditures of candidates to prevent corruption.
- It has introduced measures to enable NRIs and people with disabilities to participate in elections.
- The Commission works to curb the influence of money and muscle power in elections.
- The ECI periodically reviews and updates electoral laws and rules to meet contemporary challenges.
- The Commission prepares an annual report on its performance and submits it to the President.
- The ECI has launched online platforms like the National Voter Service Portal (NVSP) for voter registration and services.
- The Commission can seek assistance from armed forces and paramilitary forces to ensure smooth conduct of elections.
- The ECI has played a key role in ensuring peaceful transitions of power in India since its inception.
- The ECI has faced challenges like booth capturing, voter fraud, and fake news, but has consistently worked to address them.
- The introduction of the NOTA (None of the Above) option in ballots is one of its significant reforms.
- The ECI ensures international collaboration by sharing its experiences with other countries through democracy support programs.
- The ECI’s independence and impartiality are considered vital for upholding India’s democratic ethos.
Questions
- The Election Commission of India is a constitutional body under which Article?
- How many members are there in the Election Commission of India?
- Who appoints the Chief Election Commissioner of India?
- What is the term of office for the Chief Election Commissioner of India?
- Which of the following is not a function of the Election Commission of India?
- The Election Commission of India was established in which year?
- Who was the first Chief Election Commissioner of India?
- Which of the following elections is conducted by the Election Commission of India?
- Under which Article is the Election Commission of India empowered to supervise and direct elections?
- Which type of body is the Election Commission of India?
- The Chief Election Commissioner can be removed from office in the same manner as which official?
- Which constitutional amendment made the Election Commission of India a multi-member body?
- Who decides the disputes related to the allotment of election symbols to political parties?
- Which Article empowers Parliament to make laws related to elections?
- The model code of conduct issued by the Election Commission of India is:
- Which state was the first to introduce electronic voting machines (EVMs) in India?
- Which is not a responsibility of the Election Commission of India?
- How many Election Commissioners assist the Chief Election Commissioner in India?
- The Representation of the People Act, 1951, is administered by:
- Which Article ensures free and fair elections in India?
- Which body is responsible for conducting elections for the offices of the President and Vice President?
- Who determines the delimitation of constituencies in India?
- Which of the following is not a constitutional duty of the Election Commission?
- Under which Act is the Election Commission of India empowered to regulate political party finances?
- Which body is responsible for voter education in India?
- What is the primary goal of the Model Code of Conduct?
- Voter ID cards in India were first introduced in which year?
- What is the age of eligibility to vote in India as per the Constitution?
- Who decides the schedule for General Elections in India?
- Which of the following is a statutory duty of the Election Commission?
- Which body regulates the political parties under the Representation of the People Act, 1951?
- The Election Commission of India is headquartered in:
- Which of the following committees is directly under the Election Commission of India?
- The Election Commission of India celebrated its first National Voters' Day in which year?