Questions related to current affairs are asked in competitive examinations because the purpose of current affairs is to expand human understanding. Apart from pre and mains examination, interview also plays an important role in UPSC, hence candidates have to understand the daily happenings in the country and the world. In this article, we will learn about the Election Commission of India, which you can include in your preparation.
What is the Election Commission?
The Election Commission is a constitutional body established by the Constitution of India to conduct free and fair elections. The Election Commission of India is known as the host of the Lok Sabha elections. The Constitution gives it the power to direct, supervise and control elections to the Parliament, State Legislatures and the offices of the President and Vice-President of India.
It is an institution that is common to both the Central Government and the State Government. It is not for elections to municipalities and panchayats in different states. A separate commission has been provisioned by the Constitution for these elections.
When was the Election Commission established?
The Election Commission of India (ECI) was established on 25 January 1950. Until 1989 it was a one-member body, consisting only of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC). On October 16, 1989, the voting age was raised from 21 years to 18 years. The Foundation Day of the Election Commission is also known as National Voters’ Day.
Why is the Election Commission important?
Election Commission is also known as Election Commission and it is very important, which is being explained here:
- The Commission looks after the elections of the President and Vice President, state legislators and Parliament.
- Fixing the schedule of elections and holding general and by-elections from time to time.
- To decide the location of polling stations, allot seats to voters at their polling stations, counting centers and make arrangements at polling stations and counting centres and look after other related matters.
- Issuance of Electronic Photo Identity Card (EPIC) and preparation of voter list.
What are the powers of the Election Commission?
The powers of the Election Commission are as follows:
- The Constitution has given the Election Commission the power to direct and control the conduct of elections in the country.
- The Commission looks after the elections of the President and Vice President, state legislators and Parliament.
- The Election Commission advises the President on whether elections should be held in a state currently under the President’s rule or not.
- Preparing and revising electoral rolls and registering all eligible voters.
- Fixing the schedule and date for the elections and scrutinizing the nomination papers.
- To recognize political parties and allot them their election symbols.
- The Election Commission acts as a court to settle all those disputes.
- Appoint officials to look into disputes related to the electoral system.
- Advising the President on matters relating to disqualification of MPs.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Question: Who was the first Chief Election Commissioner of India?
Answer: The first Chief Election Commissioner of India was Sukumar Sen.
Question: Who appoints the Election Commissioner in India?
Answer: In India, the Election Commissioner is appointed by the President.
Question: Where is the headquarters of the Election Commission of India?
Answer: The headquarters of the Election Commission of India is in New Delhi.
Question: Who was the Chief Election Commissioner of India in 2023?
Answer: The Chief Election Commissioner of India in 2023 is Rajiv Kumar (from 15 May 2022).
Question: How many members are there in the Election Commission of India?
Answer: The Election Commission is a multi-member body. There are 3 members in it. A Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and two other Election Commissioners assist the CEC.
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