ELECTION COMMISSION OF INDIA
WHAT IS ELECTION COMMISSION (ARTICLE 324)?
- 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
- Lok Sabha
- Rajya Sabha
- State Legislative Assemblies in India
- Offices of the President
- Vice President in the country.
- It is not concerned with the elections to
- Panchayats
- Municipalities in the state
WHAT IS THE COMPOSITION OF ELECTION COMMISSION?
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- On 16-10-1989, Members were increased to 3 i.e. Chief Election Commissioner & Two Election Commissioners
- 61st Constitutional Amendment, 1989-Voting age was decreased from 21 to 18 .
- In January 1991, Members were reduced to 1 again.
- In Oct, 1993, Members were again increased to 3 again.
WHAT ARE THE FUNCTIONS OF ELECTION COMMISSION?
- To prepare electoral roles & to register eligible voters.
- To grant recognition to political parties such as: National, State or Regional Parties
- To provide symbols to political Parties
- To form Delimitation Acts for Parliament & Legislatures, Such as: 1952, 1962, 1972, 2002.
- Each & Everything related to Election is a Function of Election Commission.
- Panchayat & Municipality Elections are being conducted by State Election Commissions of respective States.