- The Election Commission of India (ECI) is an autonomous constitutional authority responsible for administering elections in India.
- It was established in 1950 under Article 324 of the Indian Constitution.
- The ECI ensures free, fair, and transparent elections in the country.
- It conducts elections for the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, state legislative assemblies, and the offices of the President and Vice President.
- The ECI is a constitutional body and operates independently of the executive branch of the government.
- The Election Commission consists of a Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and other Election Commissioners, as determined by the President.
- Currently, the commission functions as a multi-member body with a CEC and two Election Commissioners.
- The CEC and Election Commissioners have equal power, and decisions are made by majority vote.
- The President appoints the CEC and Election Commissioners based on established norms and recommendations.
- Their tenure is six years or until they reach the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.
- The CEC can be removed from office only through a process of impeachment, similar to that of a Supreme Court judge.
- The Election Commissioners can be removed by the President on the recommendation of the CEC.
- The ECI is responsible for preparing and updating the electoral rolls for all elections.
- It supervises the nomination process for candidates and monitors their compliance with electoral laws.
- The ECI enforces the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) to ensure fair campaigning during elections.
- The Commission monitors election expenses and ensures adherence to prescribed spending limits.
- It has the power to cancel elections in cases of electoral malpractice.
- The ECI introduces and implements measures to improve the electoral process, such as the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT).
- It resolves disputes related to the recognition of political parties and the allocation of election symbols.
- The ECI oversees the entire polling process, from the issuance of the election notification to the declaration of results.
- It collaborates with law enforcement agencies to maintain peace during elections.
- The ECI plays a significant role in voter education and awareness campaigns, such as the SVEEP (Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation) program.
- The Commission can recommend disqualification of candidates based on violations of election laws.
- It has the authority to review and recommend changes to electoral laws to the Parliament.
- The ECI ensures the accessibility of voting for persons with disabilities and senior citizens.
- It promotes ethical voting practices to combat issues like vote buying and voter coercion.
- The ECI collaborates with international organizations to strengthen democratic practices worldwide.
- During elections, the ECI can transfer government officials to ensure impartiality.
- It conducts periodic reviews and reforms to address emerging electoral challenges.
- The ECI uses technology to streamline the election process, such as online voter registration and Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping of polling stations.
- It ensures equal opportunities for all political parties by providing a level playing field.
- The ECI addresses grievances and complaints through a dedicated electoral grievance redressal system.
- The Commission takes strict action against hate speech and inflammatory content during election campaigns.
- It promotes greater participation of women and marginalized communities in the electoral process.
- The ECI monitors the use of social media and digital platforms for electioneering to prevent misinformation.
- It ensures the protection of voter privacy and data security.
- The Commission coordinates with state election commissions to manage local body elections.
- The ECI has played a pivotal role in enhancing the credibility of India's electoral system globally.