Question

Which of the following statements is/are correct about the Election Commission of India?
i. The Election Commission is a permanent constitutional body established under Article 324.
ii. It has the power to conduct elections to the offices of the President and Vice-President.
iii. The Chief Election Commissioner has veto power over decisions made by other Election Commissioners.
iv. The Election Commission supervises elections to local self-government bodies like Panchayats and Municipalities.

• A. All of the above
• B. Only i, ii, and iii
• C. Only i and ii
• D. Only ii and iii

Answer 1

Answer:

C. Only i and ii

Election Commission of India (ECI)

• Constitutional Basis: The Election Commission of India (ECI) is established under Article 324 of the Constitution of India. This makes it a permanent and independent constitutional body.

• Scope of Elections: The ECI is responsible for conducting elections to the following constitutional offices:

  • Parliament (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha)

  • State Legislatures (Vidhan Sabha and Vidhan Parishad)

  • Office of the President of India

  • Office of the Vice-President of India

• Independence and Tenure:

  • The Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and other Election Commissioners (ECs) are appointed by the President.

  • Their tenure is for a period of 6 years or until they attain the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.

  • The conditions of service and tenure of the CEC and ECs are determined by an Act of Parliament.

• Powers and Functions:

  • The ECI has the power to decide on all questions and disputes relating to the election of members of Parliament and State Legislatures.

  • It frames the constituencies for elections to the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies in consultation with the Delimitation Commission.

  • It regulates the conduct of political parties and candidates during elections, including the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct.

• Decision Making: Decisions within the ECI are made by majority vote. The Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) does not possess veto power over the decisions of other Election Commissioners. All commissioners have equal voting rights.

• Exclusion from ECI's Mandate: The ECI does not supervise elections to local self-government bodies like Panchayats and Municipalities. These elections are conducted by the State Election Commissions, as mandated by the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments.