Indian Polity
Election Commission of India (ECI)
Definition
The Election Commission of India (ECI) is an autonomous constitutional body responsible for administering Union and State election processes in India. Established under Article 324 of the Constitution, it ensures free, fair, and transparent elections throughout the country.
Overview
## Election Commission of India (ECI)
The Election Commission of India stands as the guardian of Indian democracy, established under Article 324 of the Constitution to conduct free and fair elections. Originally conceived as a single-member body, it became a multi-member commission in 1989 with one Chief Election Commissioner and up to two Election Commissioners.
### Constitutional Framework
The ECI enjoys quasi-judicial status with security of tenure • members serve for 6 years or until age 65. The Chief Election Commissioner can only be removed through impeachment, similar to Supreme Court judges, ensuring institutional independence from political interference.
### Powers and Functions
The Commission exercises superintendence, direction, and control over Union and State elections, including:
• Preparation and revision of electoral rolls
• Registration of political parties and allotment of symbols
• Enforcement of Model Code of Conduct during elections
• Deployment of security forces and election machinery
### Electoral Innovations
The ECI has pioneered several reforms including Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) since 2000, VVPAT (Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail) for transparency, and the NOTA option allowing voters to reject all candidates. These innovations have enhanced electoral credibility and voter confidence.
### Challenges and Significance
The Commission faces challenges of managing world's largest democracy with over 900 million eligible voters across diverse geographical and social conditions. Its role in ensuring peaceful power transitions and maintaining democratic legitimacy makes it indispensable to India's constitutional framework and federal structure.
The Election Commission of India stands as the guardian of Indian democracy, established under Article 324 of the Constitution to conduct free and fair elections. Originally conceived as a single-member body, it became a multi-member commission in 1989 with one Chief Election Commissioner and up to two Election Commissioners.
### Constitutional Framework
The ECI enjoys quasi-judicial status with security of tenure • members serve for 6 years or until age 65. The Chief Election Commissioner can only be removed through impeachment, similar to Supreme Court judges, ensuring institutional independence from political interference.
### Powers and Functions
The Commission exercises superintendence, direction, and control over Union and State elections, including:
• Preparation and revision of electoral rolls
• Registration of political parties and allotment of symbols
• Enforcement of Model Code of Conduct during elections
• Deployment of security forces and election machinery
### Electoral Innovations
The ECI has pioneered several reforms including Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) since 2000, VVPAT (Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail) for transparency, and the NOTA option allowing voters to reject all candidates. These innovations have enhanced electoral credibility and voter confidence.
### Challenges and Significance
The Commission faces challenges of managing world's largest democracy with over 900 million eligible voters across diverse geographical and social conditions. Its role in ensuring peaceful power transitions and maintaining democratic legitimacy makes it indispensable to India's constitutional framework and federal structure.