“Election Commission of India: Guardian of Free and Fair Elections”

The Election Commission of India (ECI) is an independent constitutional authority responsible for administering elections in India at the national and state levels. It ensures that elections are conducted in a free, fair, and transparent manner.

1. Constitutional Status

• Established: 25 January 1950 (celebrated as National Voters’ Day in India)
• Constitutional Basis: Article 324 of the Indian Constitution grants the ECI the power to direct, control, and conduct elections to:
• Parliament (Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha)
• State Legislatures (Vidhan Sabha & Vidhan Parishad)
• The offices of President and Vice-President of India

2. Structure

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) – Head of the ECI

Election Commissioners – Usually two other members along with the CEC

Appointed by the President of India

Tenure: Up to 6 years or until the age of 65, whichever is earlier

3. Functions

Preparing and updating electoral rolls

Scheduling and conducting elections

Granting recognition to political parties and allotting symbols

Monitoring political party election expenses

Ensuring the Model Code of Conduct is followed

Introducing and overseeing electronic voting machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable

Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) systems

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4. Powers

Supervisory control over the entire election process

Can disqualify candidates for corrupt practices

Can postpone or cancel elections in case of malpractice or violence

Issues guidelines to maintain the integrity of elections

5. Significance

Ensures democratic governance in India

Maintains people’s faith in the electoral process

Acts as a neutral referee between political parties

ElectionCommissionofIndia.

ECIChiefElectionCommissioner.

freeandfairelections.

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RahulGandhi.

RahulGandhiCongress.

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