The Election Commission of India is a constitutional body established under Article 324 of the Indian Constitution to conduct free and fair elections in the country.
According to the Constitution, the Election Commission consists of one Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and two Election Commissioners (ECs). This three-member structure was established to ensure independence and collective decision-making in electoral matters.
The Chief Election Commissioner serves as the head of the Election Commission and has equal powers with the other Election Commissioners in decision-making processes. All three members have equal say in matters related to elections, and decisions are made collectively.
Initially, when the Election Commission was formed in 1950, it had only the Chief Election Commissioner. However, in 1989, two additional Election Commissioners were appointed to assist in the growing electoral responsibilities of the country.
The correct composition is therefore one Chief Election Commissioner and two Election Commissioners, making it a three-member body that oversees all electoral processes in India, from Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha elections to state assembly elections and local body elections.
