Election Commissions are constitutional bodies in India. Elections are run and regulated by it. Elections are controlled and conducted by the EC, from announcements to results. Any candidate or party who violates the Code of Conduct gets punished.
Overview
The Election Commission of India (ECI) is a vital constitutional body established on January 25, 1950, with the primary goal of ensuring free and fair elections in the country. It conducts both Direct and Indirect Elections.
Direct Election:
In Direct Elections, people directly vote for their representatives.
Examples include elections for Parliament and State legislatures.
Indirect Election:
In Indirect Elections, representatives are not directly chosen by the people but by other representatives.
Examples include the elections for the President and Vice President.
| The Election Commission of India plays a crucial role in upholding the democratic fabric of the country by ensuring fair representation and conducting elections that reflect the diverse voices of Indians. |
What Are the Functions of the Election Commission?
Conducting Elections:
– The ECI is responsible for conducting elections for all 543 parliamentary constituencies. It ensures the democratic principle of people’s representation in both Parliament and state legislatures.
Ensuring Equal Opportunities and Representation:
– Recognizing India’s diversity, the ECI promotes equal opportunities and representation for citizens belonging to different religions, races, castes, and minorities. Specific constituencies are reserved for minorities and women candidates.
Nomination by the President:
– The President of India has the authority to nominate two members of the Anglo-Indian Community to represent their community in the Lok Sabha under Article 331 of the Indian Constitution. Additionally, the President can nominate 12 members to the Rajya Sabha.
Autonomy in Election Conduct:
– The Election Commission holds complete authority over the conduct of elections, including decisions on when, where, and how elections are conducted. It operates independently without interference from the executive, ensuring impartiality in both general and by-elections.
What Are the Roles & Responsibilities of the Election Commission of India?
The Election Commission of India (ECI) plays a pivotal role in ensuring the integrity and fairness of the electoral process in the country. Here are its key roles and responsibilities:
Model Code of Conduct:
– The ECI formulates a model code of conduct for political parties and candidates. It mandates compliance during election seasons to ensure fair and ethical campaigning.
Conducting Free and Fair Elections:
– The primary responsibility of the ECI is to conduct free and fair elections across the nation. It works to uphold democratic principles and provide equal opportunities to all political participants.
Regulating Campaign Expenditure:
– The ECI regulates the campaign expenditure per candidate for all political parties without discrimination. This measure aims to maintain a level playing field and prevent unfair advantages.
Financial Reporting by Political Parties:
– Ensuring transparency, the ECI mandates that all political parties submit their financial reports. This measure promotes accountability and openness in the electoral process.
Model Code of Conduct
The Model Code of Conduct, initiated in 1971, lays down guidelines for the behavior of political parties and candidates during elections. It has been periodically updated to define ethical standards. Notably, ministers and authorities are restricted from announcing beneficial schemes, financial grants, or taking up new appointments in PSUs or the government during the election period.
Despite the existence of the code of conduct, instances of violations persist across the country. In some states, ruling parties attempt to manipulate the system for electoral advantages.
Appointments and Tenure
The President of India appoints the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners, determining their service conditions and tenures. Commissioners serve for a maximum of six years or until the age of 65, whichever occurs earlier. Morover, removal of the commissioners can only happen through impeachment by the Parliament.
What Is the Administrative Power of ECI?
The Election Commission of India (ECI) holds several administrative powers, including:
- Demarcating electoral constituencies across the country.
- Updating and preparing new electoral rolls, ensuring the enrollment of all eligible voters.
- Planning and prioritizing election dates and schedules for upcoming elections.
- Scrutinizing nomination papers of all candidates.
- Allotting election symbols to recognized political parties.
List of Positions Appointed by ECI
The ECI appoints various positions, including:
- Chief Electoral Officer
- District Election Officer
- Returning Officer
- Electoral Registration Officer
Advisory Jurisdiction & Quasi-Judicial Body
As an autonomous body, the Election Commission has the authority to make decisions independently, without direction from the Supreme Court or High Court. It also possesses advisory jurisdiction to decide on the disqualification of elected members of Parliament or state legislatures.
In cases where an MP or MLA is found guilty of corruption by the Supreme Court or any High Court, the matter is referred to the ECI for their opinion on the disqualification of such a member. The opinions rendered by the ECI are binding on the President and the Governor, as the case may be.
Judicial Review
While the Election Commission of India (ECI) functions as a quasi-judicial body, its decisions are subject to scrutiny and can be challenged in the Supreme Court or the High Court. During the electoral process, no judicial proceedings can be initiated against the commission regarding the conduct of polls. However, the commission cannot independently review election results without a proper election petition filed before the High Court or Supreme Court.
The ECI has implemented a comprehensive media policy aimed at promoting election-related awareness through campaigns. The policy includes a code of conduct for media, outlining responsible behavior during the election period, covering both print and digital platforms.
India employs an electronic voting system for elections, and the Election Commission is continually upgrading its processes with technology-enabled solutions to ensure free and fair elections nationwide.
To maintain a level playing field for contestants, the ECI rigorously enforces compliance with the model code of conduct, taking various measures to uphold electoral integrity.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Election Commission of India stands as a vanguard of democracy, tirelessly working to fortify the democratic foundations of the nation. While the ECI implements various measures to promote fair elections, it is incumbent upon the citizens to act responsibly and actively participate in the electoral process.
As we traverse India’s democratic journey, the role of the ECI remains indispensable in steering the nation towards a future defined by electoral integrity.
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