Background Context
The Election Commission of India (ECI) was established on 25th January 1950, a day before India became a Republic. The Constitution of India, under Article 324, provides for an independent and autonomous Election Commission to ensure free and fair elections. Initially, the ECI had only one Election Commissioner. However, after the Election Commissioner Amendment Act, 1989, it was converted into a multi-member body, comprising a Chief Election Commissioner and two Election Commissioners. The evolution of the ECI has been marked by continuous efforts to strengthen the electoral process, including the introduction of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT), and various measures to enhance voter registration and participation. The role of the ECI has expanded significantly over the years, encompassing not only the conduct of elections but also the maintenance of electoral rolls and the adjudication of disputes related to elections.
Current Developments
In recent years, the Election Commission has focused on enhancing voter awareness and participation, particularly among marginalized communities and first-time voters. The introduction of initiatives like the Systematic Voters' Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) program aims to educate voters about the electoral process and encourage them to exercise their franchise. Furthermore, the ECI has been actively addressing concerns related to electoral roll discrepancies and voter registration issues through various measures, including special drives and awareness campaigns. The use of technology, such as mobile apps and online portals, has also been promoted to facilitate voter registration and access to electoral information. Looking ahead, the ECI is expected to continue its efforts to strengthen the electoral process, address emerging challenges such as fake news and disinformation, and ensure the integrity and credibility of elections.
Practice MCQs
Question 1
Consider the following statements regarding the Election Commission of India (ECI):
1. The ECI is a constitutional body established under Article 324 of the Constitution.
2. The Chief Election Commissioner can be removed from office in the same manner and on the same grounds as a judge of the Supreme Court.
3. The ECI is responsible for conducting elections to the Parliament, State Legislatures, and the offices of the President and Vice-President.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Explanation: All three statements are correct. The ECI is a constitutional body, the CEC has the same removal process as a SC judge, and the ECI conducts all major elections in India.
Question 2
Which of the following is NOT a function of the Election Commission of India?
- To prepare and maintain electoral rolls
- To conduct elections to the Parliament and State Legislatures
- To adjudicate election disputes
- To delimit constituencies
Explanation: While the ECI conducts elections and maintains electoral rolls, election disputes are adjudicated by the courts, not the ECI directly. Delimitation of constituencies is done by a separate Delimitation Commission.
Question 3
Assertion (A): Allegations of voter deletion raise concerns about the integrity of the electoral process.
Reason (R): A fair and transparent electoral roll is essential for ensuring free and fair elections.
In the context of the above statements, which of the following is correct?
- Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
- Both A and R are true, but R is NOT the correct explanation of A
- A is true, but R is false
- A is false, but R is true
Explanation: Both the assertion and the reason are true, and the reason correctly explains why voter deletion is a concern – it undermines the fairness of elections.
Previous Year Questions
PYQ 1 - UPSC Prelims 2023 2023
Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding the Election Commission of India (ECI)?
1. The ECI is a constitutional body responsible for conducting free and fair elections.
2. The ECI can directly address complaints regarding deletion of voters from electoral rolls.
3. The ECI's decisions are not subject to judicial review.
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 2 and 3 only
- (c) 1 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation: The ECI is a constitutional body (Statement 1 is correct). The ECI is responsible for ensuring fair elections and can address voter deletion complaints (Statement 2 is correct). ECI decisions are subject to judicial review (Statement 3 is incorrect).
PYQ 2 - UPSC Mains 2022 2022
Critically examine the role of the Election Commission of India (ECI) in ensuring free and fair elections, especially in light of recent allegations regarding voter list discrepancies. How can the ECI enhance its transparency and accountability to maintain public trust?
PYQ 3 - SSC CGL 2023 2023
Which institution is primarily responsible for conducting elections in India?
- (a) Supreme Court of India
- (b) Parliament of India
- (c) Election Commission of India
- (d) President of India
Explanation: The Election Commission of India is the constitutional body responsible for conducting elections in India.
PYQ 4 - SSC CHSL 2023 2023
According to the news, approximately how many voters were allegedly deleted from the electoral roll in West Bengal?
- (a) 5.4 lakh
- (b) 54 lakh
- (c) 54 thousand
- (d) 5.4 thousand
Explanation: The news reports that approximately 54 lakh voters were allegedly deleted from the electoral roll in West Bengal.
PYQ 5 - IBPS PO 2023 2023
Which of the following is NOT a function of the Election Commission of India?
- (a) Conducting elections to Parliament and State Legislatures
- (b) Preparing electoral rolls
- (c) Adjudicating election disputes
- (d) Delimitation of constituencies
Explanation: Adjudicating election disputes is primarily the responsibility of the judiciary, not the Election Commission.
PYQ 6 - SBI PO 2023 2023
What is the primary concern raised by Mamata Banerjee regarding the alleged deletion of voters?
- (a) Delay in election process
- (b) Disenfranchisement of genuine voters
- (c) Increased election expenditure
- (d) Lack of security during elections
Explanation: Mamata Banerjee's primary concern is the alleged disenfranchisement of genuine voters due to the deletion of their names from the electoral roll.
PYQ 7 - CDS 2023 2023
Which of the following articles of the Indian Constitution deals with the Election Commission?
- (a) Article 320
- (b) Article 322
- (c) Article 323
- (d) Article 324
Explanation: Article 324 of the Indian Constitution deals with the Election Commission.
PYQ 8 - CDS 2023 2023
The Election Commission of India is responsible for conducting elections to which of the following?
1. Lok Sabha
2. Rajya Sabha
3. State Legislative Assemblies
4. Panchayats
- (a) 1, 2 and 3 only
- (b) 1 and 3 only
- (c) 2 and 4 only
- (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Explanation: The Election Commission of India is responsible for conducting elections to the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, and State Legislative Assemblies. Elections to Panchayats are conducted by State Election Commissions.