Election Commission of India: Structure, powers, and functions

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.