Composition and Functions — Definition
Definition
The Election Commission of India (ECI) is a constitutional body established under Article 324 of the Indian Constitution to conduct free and fair elections in the country. The Commission's composition has evolved significantly since independence, transforming from a single-member body to a multi-member institution.
Originally, when the Constitution came into effect in 1950, the Election Commission consisted of only one member - the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC). This structure continued for over four decades until 1993, when the government expanded it to include additional Election Commissioners (ECs).
The current composition includes one Chief Election Commissioner and two Election Commissioners, making it a three-member body. The Chief Election Commissioner serves as the head of the institution and acts as the Chairman when other Election Commissioners are present.
All three members have equal decision-making powers, and decisions are taken by majority vote. The appointment process for all members is identical - they are appointed by the President of India on the advice of the Council of Ministers.
However, their security of tenure differs significantly. The Chief Election Commissioner enjoys the same security of tenure as a Supreme Court Judge and can only be removed through impeachment by Parliament, similar to the process for removing judges of the Supreme Court.
In contrast, Election Commissioners can be removed by the President on the recommendation of the Chief Election Commissioner. The tenure of office is six years or until the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.
This composition ensures both independence and collective decision-making in electoral matters. The Election Commission's functions are vast and multifaceted, encompassing the entire electoral process from voter registration to the declaration of results.
The Commission prepares and maintains electoral rolls, delimits constituencies, registers political parties, allots election symbols, monitors election expenditure, and enforces the Model Code of Conduct.
It also has quasi-judicial powers to adjudicate disputes related to party symbols and recognition of political parties. The Commission's authority extends to all elections - Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, State Legislative Assemblies, Legislative Councils, and the offices of President and Vice-President.
This comprehensive mandate makes the Election Commission one of the most powerful constitutional bodies in India, with the responsibility of maintaining the democratic fabric of the nation.