Background Context
The Election Commission of India (ECI) was established on January 25, 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 became a multi-member body, typically consisting of a Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and two Election Commissioners. The evolution of EVMs is also crucial. They were first used in 1982 in Kerala and gradually introduced nationwide to reduce malpractices like booth capturing and ballot paper tampering. The introduction of Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) systems aimed to further enhance transparency and voter confidence.
Practice MCQs
Question 1
Consider the following statements regarding the Election Commission of India (ECI):
1. The ECI is a multi-member body since its inception.
2. The Constitution explicitly defines the qualifications for the Election Commissioners.
3. The ECI is responsible for conducting elections to the Parliament, State Legislatures, and the office of the President and Vice-President.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 and 2 only
- 3 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect as the ECI was initially a single-member body. Statement 2 is incorrect as the Constitution does not define the qualifications for Election Commissioners.
Question 2
In the context of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT), which of the following statements is NOT correct?
- VVPAT allows voters to verify that their vote is cast as intended.
- EVMs were first used in India in 1982 in Kerala.
- VVPAT machines are directly connected to the EVMs and can be remotely accessed.
- EVMs have significantly reduced booth capturing and ballot paper tampering.
Explanation: VVPAT machines are not remotely accessible; they are designed to provide a physical paper trail for verification and are not connected to any network.
Question 3
Assertion (A): Concerns have been raised regarding the transparency and security of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in India.
Reason (R): The Election Commission of India (ECI) has consistently maintained that EVMs are tamper-proof and has implemented various safeguards to ensure their integrity.
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 reason are true. Concerns about EVM transparency exist, and the ECI has taken measures to ensure integrity. However, the ECI's measures don't fully address all concerns, so R is not the complete explanation of A.
Previous Year Questions
PYQ 1 - UPSC Prelims 2021 2021
Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding the Election Commission of India (ECI)?
1. The ECI is a constitutional body.
2. The ECI is responsible for conducting elections to the Parliament, State Legislatures, and the offices of the President and Vice-President.
3. The ECI also conducts elections to local bodies like Panchayats and Municipalities.
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) 1 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation: The Election Commission of India is responsible for conducting elections to the Parliament, State Legislatures, and the offices of the President and Vice-President. Elections to local bodies are conducted by State Election Commissions.
PYQ 2 - UPSC Mains 2022 2022
The credibility of the Election Commission of India (ECI) is vital for the sustenance of democracy. Discuss the challenges faced by the ECI in maintaining its impartiality and suggest measures to enhance public trust in the electoral process.
PYQ 3 - SSC CGL 2023 2023
Which of the following bodies is responsible for conducting elections to the Parliament of India?
- (a) Supreme Court of India
- (b) Election Commission of India
- (c) President of India
- (d) Parliament of India
Explanation: The Election Commission of India is responsible for conducting elections to the Parliament of India.
PYQ 4 - SSC CHSL 2023 2023
The Election Commission of India is a/an _________ body.
- (a) Statutory
- (b) Advisory
- (c) Constitutional
- (d) Executive
Explanation: The Election Commission of India is a Constitutional body, as it is established by the Constitution of India.
PYQ 5 - IBPS PO 2023 2023
Which of the following is NOT a function of the Election Commission of India?
- (a) Superintendence, direction and control of elections
- (b) Preparation of electoral rolls
- (c) Conducting elections to local bodies
- (d) Delimitation of constituencies
Explanation: The Election Commission of India does not conduct elections to local bodies. This is the responsibility of State Election Commissions.
PYQ 6 - SBI PO 2023 2023
Concerns have been raised about the use of EVMs. What is the full form of EVM?
- (a) Electronic Voting Mechanism
- (b) Electoral Verification Machine
- (c) Electronic Voting Machine
- (d) Election Validation Module
Explanation: EVM stands for Electronic Voting Machine.
PYQ 7 - CDS 2023 2023
Which article 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
Who appoints the Chief Election Commissioner of India?
- (a) The Prime Minister
- (b) The Parliament
- (c) The Chief Justice of India
- (d) The President of India
Explanation: The President of India appoints the Chief Election Commissioner of India.