Question

Which of the following powers does the Election Commission possess?

1. Power to prepare and revise electoral rolls.

2. Power to cancel polls in case of electoral malpractice.

3. Power to determine the maximum number of political parties allowed in elections.

4. Power to grant recognition and allot election symbols to political parties.

• A. 1, 2, and 4 only
• B. 2 and 3 only
• C. 1 and 4 only
• D. All of the above

Answer 1

Answer:

A. 1, 2, and 4 only

Election Commission of India (ECI)

Constitutional Mandate

• The Election Commission of India is an autonomous constitutional authority responsible for administering elections in India in accordance with the provisions of Article 324 of the Constitution of India.

Key Powers and Functions related to the question:

• Preparation and Revision of Electoral Rolls: The ECI has the exclusive power to prepare and periodically revise the electoral rolls for all elections to the Parliament and State Legislatures. This ensures that eligible citizens are registered to vote and that the rolls are up-to-date.

• Conducting Elections: The ECI is responsible for conducting free and fair elections. This includes:

  • Announcing election schedules.

  • Setting dates for nominations, scrutiny, withdrawal, and polling.

  • Managing the entire election process from announcement to declaration of results.

• Power to Countermand/Cancel Polls: In specific circumstances, such as proven electoral malpractice, booth capturing, or other irregularities that might affect the fairness of the election, the ECI has the power to cancel polls in a constituency or a part thereof and order a fresh poll.

• Granting Recognition and Allotting Symbols: The ECI recognizes political parties and allocates election symbols to them. This includes:

  • Categorizing parties as National or State parties based on their electoral performance.

  • Allotting reserved symbols to recognized parties and free symbols to unrecognize parties.

  • Settling disputes between factions of political parties regarding symbols.

Powers NOT possessed by the ECI (as per the options):

• Determining the Maximum Number of Political Parties: The ECI does not have the power to determine the maximum number of political parties allowed in elections. Any association registered as a political party with the ECI can participate in elections, subject to fulfilling certain criteria.

Relevance for Competitive Exams:

• Understanding the specific powers granted to the ECI under the Constitution is crucial for questions related to Indian Polity and Governance.

• Questions often test the distinction between the ECI's powers and those of other bodies or the government.