Election Commission of India

What is the Election Commission of India

The Election Commission of India (ECI) is an autonomous constitutional authority responsible for administering Union and State election processes in India.

It was established in accordance with the Constitution on 25th January 1950 (celebrated as national voters' day). The secretariat of the commission is in New Delhi.

The body administers elections to the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, and State Legislative Assemblies in India, and the offices of the President and Vice President in the country.

It is not concerned with the elections to panchayats and municipalities in the states. For this, the Constitution of India provides for a separate State Election Commission.

Constitutional Provisions

Part XV (Article 324-329) of the Indian Constitution: It deals with elections and establishes a commission for these matters.

Structure of ECI

Originally the commission had only one election commissioner but after the Election Commissioner Amendment Act 1989, it was made a multi-member body.

The Election Commission shall consist of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and such number of other election commissioners, if any, as the President may from time-to-time fix.

Presently, it consists of the CEC and two Election Commissioners.

At the state level, the election commission is helped by the Chief Electoral Officer who is an IAS rank Officer.

Appointment & Tenure of Commissioners

The President appoints CEC and Election Commissioners.

They have a fixed tenure of six years, or up to the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.

They enjoy the same status and receive salary and perks as available to Judges of the Supreme Court (SC) of India.

Removal

They can resign anytime or can also be removed before the expiry of their term.

The CEC can be removed from office only through a process of removal similar to that of a SC judge by Parliament.