WHAT IS ECI?

 Election Commission of India is an autonomous constitutional Constitutional authority responsible for administrating Union and State election processes in India. The body administrates the 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.

CONSTITUTIONAL PROVINSIONS

• Part XV of the Indian constitution - Elections, and Establishes a commission.
• ECI was established on 25th January 1950.
• Article 324-329 of of the constitution deals with powers, Functions , Tenure , eligibility etc of ECI members.

STRUCTURE OF ECI

It was established as a single member body with election commissioner, after Election Commissioner Amendment Act 1989 it has been made multi member body.

It has One Chief election commissioner and two election commissioners. President appoints them.

They have a fixed tenure of six years or up to age of 65 years which ever is earlier.

They enjoy same status and benefit of Supreme court Judges of India.

REMOVAL

Chief EC removed from office only through a process of removal , similar to that  of SC judge .Proven mis behavior or incapacity are grounds mentioned, Through an adopted motion in parliament.

Removal needs Special majority, 2/3 rd members present and voting supported by more than 50% of the total strength of the house.

FUNCTIONS

• Direct, control the entire process of Elections to parliament and legislature of every state and to the Offices of President and Vice president.
• Decide election schedules
• Conduct periodic and timely elections.
• Prepare electoral roll issue Electronic Photo Identity Card.
• Grants recognition to political parties and allot election symbols.
• Advisory jurisdiction in the matter of post election dis qualification.
• Issues Model code of Conduct in election.
• Sets limit of campaign expenditure per candidate