Election Commission of India (ECI)
Constitutional Foundation
Article 324: Establishes the ECI as a permanent and independent constitutional authority.
Primary Role: Conducts elections to:
Parliament (Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha)
State legislatures
Offices of the President and Vice-President of India
Key Constitutional Provisions
| Article | Provision |
|---|---|
| 324 | Supervises, directs, and controls elections to Parliament & state legislatures. |
| 325 | No one can be excluded from electoral rolls based on religion, race, caste, or sex. |
| 326 | Establishes adult suffrage (voting rights for citizens ≥18 years). |
| 327 | Parliament can make laws regarding elections to Parliament & state legislatures. |
| 328 | State legislatures can make provisions regarding elections within the state. |
| 329 | Judicial interference in electoral matters is prohibited. |
Functions of ECI
Advisory Role
Advises President/Governor on disqualification of members (e.g., corrupt electoral practices).
Quasi-Judicial Role
Disqualifies candidates for failure to submit election expenses.
Resolves disputes related to recognition of political parties and election symbols.
Administrative Role
Delimitation of constituencies, voter registration, and updating electoral rolls.
Schedules election dates and ensures adherence to the Model Code of Conduct (MCC).
Monitors political campaign expenditures.
Composition
Initially: One-member body (Chief Election Commissioner).
Since 1989: Three-member body due to expansion of voter base (voting age lowered from 21 → 18).
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This structure ensures the ECI remains autonomous, impartial, and effective in managing India’s complex electoral process.
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