- 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.