Role Of Election Commission

The Election Commission of India (ECI) is a self-governing constitutional organization that regulates the election process in India in accordance with the Indian Constitution. ECI assures that the country’s elections are free and fair. Elections are held on a regular basis in order to maintain the country’s democracy. In this blog, we will discuss the role of election commission.

Election Commission

The Election Commission of India (ECI) is a legally mandated agency that was founded in 1950 to promote India’s democratic process. The headquarters are located in New Delhi. It is made up of three members—a chief election commissioner and two other commissioners—who are nominated by the Indian president for six-year terms and cannot be removed except by legislative impeachment.

What are the Functions of the Election Commission?

In India, the Election Commission oversees elections for all 543 parliamentary constitutions. Because India is a very varied country with inhabitants of all religions, races, castes, and other minority groups, we must ensure equal opportunity and participation in the political system. Under Article 331 of the Indian Constitution, the President of India has the authority to appoint two members of the Anglo-Indian Group to the Lok Sabha to represent their community.

The President of India has the authority to appoint 12 members to the Rajya Sabha.Whether it is a general election or a by-election, the Election Commission has entire power over how, where, and when an election is held, with no intervention from the executive (the elected representatives of the people).

Role Of Election Commission

The role of Election Commission are discussed in detail below:

1. Caretaker of Free & Fair Elections

Elections at regular periods are a vital characteristic of a democratic polity. Democracy is defined as the “government of, by, and for the people.” Regular free and fair elections are essential components of a democratic government. It is a fundamental part of the Constitution’s construction.

2. Code of Conduct

The Election Commission is recognized as the watchdog over free and fair elections. Every election sets a Model Code of Conduct for political parties and candidates to follow in order to conduct free and fair elections. The Commission published its first code in 1971 (5th Election) and changed it on a regular basis. It establishes criteria for political parties and candidates to follow during elections. 

3. Registration of the Political Parties

The party system is a necessary component of Parliamentary democracy. The law governing this registration procedure was created in 1989, and a large number of parties registered with the Commission. It helps in minimizing administrative and electorate misunderstanding. It assures that political parties may only participate in democracy if they are registered.

4. Polling Tax Exemptions

The Election Commission has made many recommendations to counter the rising influence and vulgar display of money during elections. The Election Commission has set legislative restrictions on how much money a candidate may spend during an election campaign. These limitations have been updated on a regular basis. The role of Election Commission is to monitor individual election expenditure accounts by appointing observers. The candidates must also provide expenditure information within 30 days of the results being announced.

5. Application of Scientific and Technological Advancements

The role of Election Commission is to enhance election operations by using scientific and technological advancements. One step in that way is the adoption of EVMs — Electronic Voting Machines. It was utilized to reduce malpractices while also enhancing efficiency.

6. Multi-Member Election Commission

There has long been a call for the Election Commission to be a multi-member body. Held that, because the Election Commission is entrusted with crucial tasks and is armed with exclusive and unrestricted powers to carry them out, it is necessary and desirable that the powers not be exercised by a single individual. It also adheres to democratic principles.

7. Checking Criminalization of Politics

Political criminalization is a severe issue in India. This disaster began in Bihar and progressively spread throughout the country.

A law prohibiting the election of convicts to legislative bodies was introduced in 2003. Candidates must submit an affidavit in the approved form detailing their criminal history, including convictions, acquittals, and charges pending. The information provided by the candidates will be communicated to the general public, as well as the print and electronic media.

Advisory Powers of the EC

• The Commission has the authority to advise the President of India on the disqualification of members of Parliament and the conditions for such disqualification.
• The Commission also recommends Governors on the disqualification of members of state legislatures.
• It advises the High Courts and Supreme Court on post-election issues between candidates and political parties.

What are the Positions Appointed by ECI?

Chief Electoral Officer	Electoral Registration Officer
Returning Officer	District Election Officer

Over the years, the Commission has implemented a number of commendable electoral reforms in order to strengthen democracy and improve election fairness. Using advanced technology, the commission has taken the greatest precautions to prevent electoral misconduct. However, all of the Election Commission’s efforts will strengthen democracy and people’s trust in it. 

Also Read

• The Must-Read Books on Indian Politics From Fiction to Non-Fiction!
• Electoral Politics
• How to Become a Psephologist?

Since the role of Election Commission will need a high degree of independence and autonomy, the Constitution has granted this body the authority to monitor political groups and candidates. In the event of any violations, it has the power to take any action it thinks necessary. We hope the information provided to you on the topic Role of Election Commission will be helpful to you. Follow Leverage Edu for more educational content. 

The Election Commission of India (ECI) is a self-governing constitutional organization that regulates the election process in India in accordance with the Indian Constitution. ECI assures that the country’s elections are free and fair. Elections are held on a regular basis in order to maintain the country’s democracy. In this blog, we will discuss the role of election commission.

Election Commission

The Election Commission of India (ECI) is a legally mandated agency that was founded in 1950 to promote India’s democratic process. The headquarters are located in New Delhi. It is made up of three members—a chief election commissioner and two other commissioners—who are nominated by the Indian president for six-year terms and cannot be removed except by legislative impeachment.

What are the Functions of the Election Commission?

In India, the Election Commission oversees elections for all 543 parliamentary constitutions. Because India is a very varied country with inhabitants of all religions, races, castes, and other minority groups, we must ensure equal opportunity and participation in the political system. Under Article 331 of the Indian Constitution, the President of India has the authority to appoint two members of the Anglo-Indian Group to the Lok Sabha to represent their community.

The President of India has the authority to appoint 12 members to the Rajya Sabha.Whether it is a general election or a by-election, the Election Commission has entire power over how, where, and when an election is held, with no intervention from the executive (the elected representatives of the people).

Role Of Election Commission

The role of Election Commission are discussed in detail below:

1. Caretaker of Free & Fair Elections

Elections at regular periods are a vital characteristic of a democratic polity. Democracy is defined as the “government of, by, and for the people.” Regular free and fair elections are essential components of a democratic government. It is a fundamental part of the Constitution’s construction.

2. Code of Conduct

The Election Commission is recognized as the watchdog over free and fair elections. Every election sets a Model Code of Conduct for political parties and candidates to follow in order to conduct free and fair elections. The Commission published its first code in 1971 (5th Election) and changed it on a regular basis. It establishes criteria for political parties and candidates to follow during elections. 

3. Registration of the Political Parties

The party system is a necessary component of Parliamentary democracy. The law governing this registration procedure was created in 1989, and a large number of parties registered with the Commission. It helps in minimizing administrative and electorate misunderstanding. It assures that political parties may only participate in democracy if they are registered.

4. Polling Tax Exemptions

The Election Commission has made many recommendations to counter the rising influence and vulgar display of money during elections. The Election Commission has set legislative restrictions on how much money a candidate may spend during an election campaign. These limitations have been updated on a regular basis. The role of Election Commission is to monitor individual election expenditure accounts by appointing observers. The candidates must also provide expenditure information within 30 days of the results being announced.

5. Application of Scientific and Technological Advancements

The role of Election Commission is to enhance election operations by using scientific and technological advancements. One step in that way is the adoption of EVMs — Electronic Voting Machines. It was utilized to reduce malpractices while also enhancing efficiency.

6. Multi-Member Election Commission

There has long been a call for the Election Commission to be a multi-member body. Held that, because the Election Commission is entrusted with crucial tasks and is armed with exclusive and unrestricted powers to carry them out, it is necessary and desirable that the powers not be exercised by a single individual. It also adheres to democratic principles.

7. Checking Criminalization of Politics

Political criminalization is a severe issue in India. This disaster began in Bihar and progressively spread throughout the country.

A law prohibiting the election of convicts to legislative bodies was introduced in 2003. Candidates must submit an affidavit in the approved form detailing their criminal history, including convictions, acquittals, and charges pending. The information provided by the candidates will be communicated to the general public, as well as the print and electronic media.

Advisory Powers of the EC

• The Commission has the authority to advise the President of India on the disqualification of members of Parliament and the conditions for such disqualification.
• The Commission also recommends Governors on the disqualification of members of state legislatures.
• It advises the High Courts and Supreme Court on post-election issues between candidates and political parties.

What are the Positions Appointed by ECI?

Chief Electoral Officer	Electoral Registration Officer
Returning Officer	District Election Officer

Over the years, the Commission has implemented a number of commendable electoral reforms in order to strengthen democracy and improve election fairness. Using advanced technology, the commission has taken the greatest precautions to prevent electoral misconduct. However, all of the Election Commission’s efforts will strengthen democracy and people’s trust in it. 

Also Read

• The Must-Read Books on Indian Politics From Fiction to Non-Fiction!
• Electoral Politics
• How to Become a Psephologist?

Since the role of Election Commission will need a high degree of independence and autonomy, the Constitution has granted this body the authority to monitor political groups and candidates. In the event of any violations, it has the power to take any action it thinks necessary. We hope the information provided to you on the topic Role of Election Commission will be helpful to you. Follow Leverage Edu for more educational content.