Question

 Which of the following statements are correct regarding the constitutional provisions of the Election Commission?

1. Article 324 vests the superintendence, direction, and control of elections to Parliament, State Legislatures, and the offices of President and Vice-President in the Election Commission.

2. Article 325 ensures that no person is ineligible for inclusion in an electoral roll on grounds of religion, race, caste, or sex.

3. The 61st Constitutional Amendment lowered the voting age from 21 to 18 years under the Prime Ministership of Indira Gandhi.

• A. 1 and 2 only
• B. 2 and 3 only
• C. 1 and 3 only
• D. 1, 2, and 3

Answer 1

Answer:

A. 1 and 2 only

Constitutional Provisions of the Election Commission of India

• Article 324: This article is foundational for the Election Commission of India (ECI). It establishes the ECI and bestows upon it the power of superintendence, direction, and control over elections. This responsibility covers elections to:
  1. Parliament (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha)
  2. State Legislatures (Vidhan Sabha and Vidhan Parishad)
  3. The offices of the President of India
  4. The offices of the Vice-President of India
  This ensures a fair and impartial electoral process across the country.
• Article 325: This article guarantees equality in electoral rolls. It explicitly states that no person shall be ineligible for inclusion in any electoral roll for any constituency on grounds of religion, race, caste, or sex. This is a cornerstone of democratic representation, promoting inclusivity and preventing discrimination.
• 61st Constitutional Amendment Act, 1989: This amendment is significant for lowering the minimum age for voting from 21 years to 18 years. This change was enacted to broaden the scope of youth participation in the democratic process. It is important to note that this amendment occurred during the Prime Ministership of Rajiv Gandhi, not Indira Gandhi.

Key Points for Competitive Exams

• The Election Commission of India is a permanent and independent body.
• It was established on 25th January 1950, which is celebrated as National Voters' Day.
• Initially, the Election Commission was a single-member body, but it was made a multi-member body in 1993.
• The Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners are appointed by the President of India.
• The term of office for the Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners is 6 years or until they attain the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.
• The Election Commission of India derives its powers from the Constitution and acts of Parliament.
• Article 326 deals with elections to the House of the People and to the Legislative Assemblies of States to be on the basis of adult suffrage.