Election Commission of India
The Election Commission of India plays a vital role in making India the largest democracy in the world. It is a constitutional body responsible for conducting free and fair elections across the country. The provisions related to the Election Commission are mentioned in Part XV of the Indian Constitution, from Articles 324 to 329.
The Election Commission of India came into existence on 25 January 1950. Every year, January 25 is celebrated as National Voters’ Day.
Structure of the Election Commission
To ensure democratic elections in the country, the Election Commission was established as an independent constitutional authority. According to Article 324(2) of the Constitution, the Commission consists of one Chief Election Commissioner and such number of other Election Commissioners as decided by the President of India. All commissioners are appointed by the President.
When other Election Commissioners are appointed, the Chief Election Commissioner acts as the Chairman of the Commission. Regional Election Commissioners may also be appointed by the President in consultation with the Election Commission.
Appointment and Tenure
The Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners are appointed by the President according to laws made by Parliament. Their tenure is six years or until they attain the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.
Election Commissioners can submit their resignation to the President of India.
Salary and Allowances
The Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners enjoy equal powers and receive equal salaries and allowances. Their salary is equivalent to that of a Judge of the Supreme Court and is paid from the Consolidated Fund of India.
Removal Procedure
The Chief Election Commissioner can be removed from office in the same manner as a Supreme Court Judge. The President can remove the Commissioner only after Parliament passes a resolution with a special majority in both Houses.
If there is disagreement between the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, the resolution fails. There is no provision for a joint sitting of Parliament in this matter.
Other Election Commissioners may be removed by the President on the recommendation of the Union Cabinet on grounds such as incapacity or misconduct.
Powers and Functions of the Election Commission
The Election Commission performs several important duties to ensure transparent and fair elections in India.
- Preparing electoral rolls
- Issuing voter identity cards
- Conducting general, mid-term, and by-elections
- Implementing the Model Code of Conduct
- Recognizing political parties and allotting election symbols
- Granting permission for political meetings and rallies
- Enforcing Representation of the People Acts
- Scrutinizing nomination papers of candidates
- Rejecting invalid nominations
- Monitoring election expenditure
- Allocating campaign time on Doordarshan and Radio
- Ordering re-polling in case of malpractices
- Counting votes and declaring results
- Issuing certificates to winning candidates
