The Election Commission of India: A Comprehensive Guide
A Constitutional Body
The Election Commission of India (ECI) is an autonomous constitutional authority established under Article 324 of the Constitution.
It is responsible for superintending, directing, controlling, and conducting all elections to the:
- Lok Sabha
- Rajya Sabha
- State Legislative Assemblies
- Offices of the President and Vice President
Functions and Responsibilities
The ECI's primary functions include:
- Maintaining Electoral Rolls
- Issuing Election Schedules
- Recognizing Political Parties
- Conducting voter education campaigns
- Ensuring fair and impartial elections
- Adjudicating election disputes
Voting Methods
The ECI administers various voting methods, including:
- Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs)
- Postal Ballots
- Absentee Voting
- Proxy Voting
Postal Ballot Guidelines
For absentee voters who are either senior citizens, disabled, or suspect/affected by COVID-19, the ECI has issued Guidelines for Postal Ballot.
These guidelines include:
- Eligibility criteria
- Application process
- Procedure for casting postal ballots
EVM Usage
With the advent of EVMs, voters can directly cast their vote by pressing the "Ballot Button" on the machine.
This eliminates the need for ballot papers, making the voting process more efficient and transparent.
Conclusion
The Election Commission of India plays a crucial role in ensuring fair and democratic elections in India.
Its autonomous constitutional status and wide range of functions and responsibilities empower the ECI to conduct impartial elections and uphold the integrity of India's electoral system.
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