26-May-2025

Election Commission of India

Indian Polity

Why in News?

The Election Commission has announced by polls for five Assembly seats across four States to be held on June 19, 2025.

About the Election Commission of India (ECI)

Established by Constitution: The Election Commission of India (ECI) is a permanent and independent constitutional body created under Article 324 of the Indian Constitution.

Main Responsibility:

  • It conducts elections for:
    • Parliament (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha)
    • State Legislative Assemblies and Councils
    • President and Vice President of India
      (Note: Elections for municipalities and panchayats are managed by State Election Commissions.)

Important Constitutional Provisions

  • Article 324: Gives ECI the power to supervise, direct, and control the election process.
  • Article 325: No citizen can be excluded from the electoral roll based on religion, race, caste, or sex.
  • Article 326: Provides voting rights to every citizen aged 18 or above (universal adult suffrage).
  • Article 327: Allows Parliament to make rules about elections for Parliament and state assemblies.
  • Article 328: Lets State Legislatures make laws for state-level elections.
  • Article 329: Courts cannot interfere in electoral matters.

ECI

Composition and Structure

  • Members: Initially had only one member (Chief Election Commissioner). In 1989, two more were added — now it is a three-member body.
  • Appointment: The President of India appoints all three — the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and two Election Commissioners.
  • Term: They serve for 6 years or until the age of 65, whichever comes earlier.
  • Removal: The CEC can be removed like a Supreme Court judge — through a special majority in both Houses of Parliament. (Other Election Commissioners can be removed only on the recommendation of the CEC.)