Election Commission of India

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.