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Consider the following statements about the Election Commission of India.
1. Its composition is mentioned in the constitution.
2. It conducts local body elections also.
3. The Chief Election Commissioner does not have more powers than the other Election Commissioners.
Choose the correct answer using the codes below:
  • a)
    3 only
  • b)
    2 and 3
  • c)
    1 only
  • d)
    1 and 3
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Suresh Reddy answered
The Election Commission of India is an autonomous constitutional authority responsible for administering elections in India at the national, state, and local levels. The composition of the Election Commission is indeed mentioned in the Constitution of India.
The Election Commission is responsible for conducting elections to the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, state legislative assemblies, and the offices of the President and Vice President of India. However, the conduct of local body elections is the responsibility of the respective state election commissions. Therefore, statement 2 is incorrect.
The Chief Election Commissioner is the head of the Election Commission of India and has equal powers to the other Election Commissioners. Therefore, statement 3 is correct.

When on election duty, government officers work under the control of
  • a)
    The concerned District Administration
  • b)
    State Planning Board
  • c)
    Chief Secretary of the State
  • d)
    Election Commission
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Kabir Verma answered
They work under the control of the Election Commission of India (or State Election Commission as the case may be). Hence, option (d).
Learning: It is very common for the Election Commission to reprimand the government and administration for their lapses. This is because of the independence vested in the commission and the election officials. When election officials come to the opinion that polling was not fair in some booths or even an entire constituency, they order a repoll. The ruling parties generally comply with the orders of the ECI.

Which of the following is/are among the functions of the Election Commission of India?
1. Conduct of election for the posts of the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker, Lok Sabha and the Deputy Chairman, Rajya Sabha.
2. Conduct of election to the Corporations and Municipalities.
3. Deciding on all doubts and disputes arising out of the elections.
Select the correct answer from the codes given below.
  • a)
    1 and 2
  • b)
    1 and 3
  • c)
    2 and 3
  • d)
    None of these
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Suresh Reddy answered
Explanation:

1. The Election Commission of India does not conduct elections for the posts of the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker, Lok Sabha and the Deputy Chairman, Rajya Sabha. These elections are conducted internally by the members of the respective houses.

2. The conduct of elections to the Corporations and Municipalities is not the responsibility of the Election Commission of India. These elections are conducted by the respective State Election Commissions.

3. While the Election Commission of India does play a role in overseeing the conduct of elections, it does not have the power to decide on all doubts and disputes arising out of the elections. This is the jurisdiction of the judiciary. In the case of parliamentary or assembly elections, any disputes are taken to the High Court or the Supreme Court as election petitions.

The Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) supervises the election work in a State. He is appointed by the
  • a)
    Election Commission of India in consultation with the State Government
  • b)
    Governor of the State concerned in consultation with the Election Commission of India
  • c)
    Chief Secretary of the State concerned in consultation with the Chief Election Commissioner
  • d)
    State Election Commission after consulting Election Commission of India
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Pranab Patel answered
The appointment of Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) is an important aspect of the electoral process in a State. Let's understand the process of appointment:

Who appoints the Chief Electoral Officer?

The Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) is appointed by the Election Commission of India (ECI) in consultation with the State Government.

What are the roles and responsibilities of the Chief Electoral Officer?

The Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) has the following roles and responsibilities:

1. Supervising the election work in the State: The CEO is responsible for supervising and overseeing the conduct of elections in the State. He is responsible for ensuring that the electoral process is carried out in a fair and transparent manner.

2. Preparing electoral rolls: The CEO is responsible for preparing the electoral rolls for the State. He has to ensure that the electoral rolls are updated regularly and are accurate.

3. Conducting voter education programmes: The CEO has to conduct voter education programmes to create awareness among the voters about their rights and duties.

4. Arranging for polling stations: The CEO has to arrange for polling stations for the voters. He has to ensure that the polling stations are located at convenient places and are accessible to all voters.

5. Counting of votes: The CEO is responsible for the counting of votes after the polling is over. He has to ensure that the counting is done in a fair and transparent manner.

Conclusion:

The Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) plays a crucial role in the electoral process in a State. He is responsible for ensuring that the electoral process is conducted in a free and fair manner. The CEO is appointed by the Election Commission of India (ECI) in consultation with the State Government.

Law Commission of India in its 255th report on electoral reforms recently submitted to the Government of India has pitched for a stronger Election Commission of India (ECI). Its recommendations include
1. Equal Constitutional protection to all members of ECI in removability from Office.
2. Appointment of the Election Commissioners by a three member Selection panel instead of the present system of appointment by President.
3. The elevation of an EC should be on the basis of seniority.
Choose the correct answer using the codes below.
  • a)
    1 and 2 only
  • b)
    2 and 3 only
  • c)
    1 and 3 only
  • d)
    All of the above
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Meera Singh answered
Recommendations of 255th Report of Law Commission with respect to ECI
1. Appointments of Chief Election Commissioners (CEC) and all Election Commissioners (ECs) - It should be made by the President in consultation with a three-member collegium or selection committee.
2. The collegium or committee shall consist of the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition of the Lok Sabha (or the leader of the largest opposition party in the Lok Sabha) and the Chief Justice of India (CJI).
3. Seniority based elevation - The elevation of an EC should be on the basis of seniority. If senior EC is not appointed due to unfit reasons, the three member collegium or a committee give reasons in writing.
4. Equal constitutional protection to all members of the ECI - Equal constitutional protection must be given to all members of the ECI in matters of removability from office.
5. In this regard, Article 324(5) of the Constitution should be amended.

Which of the following functions are NOT performed by the Election Commission of India?
1. Determining the territorial areas of the electoral constituencies.
2. Advising the president on matters relating to the disqualifications of the members of Parliament.
3. To cancel polls in the event of Violence at election booths.
Choose the correct answer using the codes below.
  • a)
    1 and 2 only
  • b)
    2 and 3 only
  • c)
    1 only 
  • d)
    All are performed by the ECI.
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Suresh Reddy answered
To determine the territorial areas of the electoral constituencies throughout the country on the basis of the Delimitation Commission Act of Parliament.
The powers related to elections are
  • To act as a court for settling disputes related to granting of recognition to political parties and allotment of election symbols to them.
  • To appoint officers for Enquiring into disputes relating to electoral arrangements. To determine the code of conduct to be observed by the parties and the candidates at the time of elections.
  • To prepare a roster for publicity of the policies of the political parties on radio and TV in times of elections.
  • To advise the president on matters relating to the ' disqualifications of the members of Parliament.
  • To advise the governor on matters relating to the disqualifications of the members of the state legislature.
  • To request the president or the governor for requisitioning the staff necessary for conducting elections.
  • To supervise the machinery of elections throughout the country to ensure free and fair elections.
  • To advise the president whether elections can be held in a state under president’s rule in order to extend the period of emergency after one year.

Which of the following powers can be wielded by the Election Commission of India?
1. The Commission can suppress the results of opinion polls if it deems such an action fit for the cause of democracy.
2. The Commission can advise for disqualification of members after the elections if it thinks they have violated certain guidelines.
3. The Commission can suspend candidates who fail to submit their election expense accounts timely.
Select the correct answer using the codes below,
  • a)
    1 and 2 only
  • b)
    2 and 3 only
  • c)
    1 and 3 only
  • d)
    1, 2 and 3
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Kavita Mehta answered
In case, a candidate is found guilty of corrupt practices during the elections, the Supreme Court and High Courts consult the Commission.
It can also cancel the polls in event of rigging, booth capture, etc.
Also, the main functions of the ECI are as follows:
  • The Election Commission of India is considered the custodian of free and fair elections.
  • It issues the Model Code of Conduct in every election for political parties and candidates so that the dignity of democracy is maintained.
  • It regulates political parties and registers them for being eligible to contest elections.
  • It publishes the allowed limits of campaign expenditure per candidate to all the political parties, and also monitors the same.
  • The political parties must submit their annual reports to the ECI for getting tax benefit on contributions.
  • It ensures that all the political parties regularly submit their audited financial reports.
Some of the powers wielded by the ECI are as follows:
  • The Commission can suppress the results of opinion polls if it deems such an action fit for the cause of democracy.
  • The Commission can advise for disqualification of members after the elections if it thinks they have violated certain guidelines.
  • In case, a candidate is found guilty of corrupt practices during the elections, the Supreme Court and High Courts consult the Commission.
  • The Commission can suspend candidates who fail to submit their election expense accounts timely.

Consider the following statements about the Election Commission of India (ECI).
1. The ECI is the only authority that can grant National Party or State Party status to a political party in India.
2. Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order is issued by the ECI and can be modified by it.
Which of the above is/are correct?
  • a)
    1 only
  • b)
    2 only
  • c)
    Both 1 and 2
  • d)
    None
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Suresh Reddy answered
In August 2016, the ECI had brought changes in Paragraph 6C of the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order 1968 to review the status of political parties every 10 years, instead of the present norm of five years.
  • For instance, the status of a party (either national or state party) that did not perform up to the required criteria in the 2014 election will be reviewed in 2024.
Learning: Recognition as a national or a State party ensures that the election symbol of that party is not used by any other political entity in polls across India.
  • Other registered but unrecognised political parties have to choose from a pool of ‘free symbols’ announced by the commission from time to time.
  • Besides, these parties get land or buildings from the government to set up their party offices. They can have up to 40 ‘star campaigners’ during electioneering. Others can have up to 20 ‘star campaigners’.

The Election Commission of India is NOT responsible for the supervision, control and directions for elections of which body? 
  • a)
    Local bodies 
  • b)
    Legislative Assembly 
  • c)
    Office of Vice-President of India 
  • d)
    Office of President of India
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Prisha Basak answered
The Election Commission of India is responsible for the supervision, control, and direction of elections in India. It ensures free, fair, and impartial conduct of elections at various levels, including the legislative assemblies and the offices of the President and Vice-President of India. However, it is not responsible for the supervision, control, and direction of elections of local bodies.

Explanation:
- The Election Commission of India is a constitutional body established under Article 324 of the Indian Constitution. Its primary function is to conduct elections in an efficient and transparent manner.
- The Election Commission is responsible for the conduct of elections to the Lok Sabha (Lower House of Parliament), Rajya Sabha (Upper House of Parliament), State Legislative Assemblies, and Legislative Councils (in states where they exist).
- The Election Commission is also responsible for the conduct of elections to the offices of the President and Vice-President of India.
- However, the Election Commission is not responsible for the supervision, control, and direction of elections of local bodies such as municipal corporations, municipal councils, and panchayats.
- The elections of local bodies are conducted by State Election Commissions, which are separate constitutional bodies established under Article 243K of the Indian Constitution.
- Each state has its own State Election Commission, which is responsible for the conduct of elections to local bodies within that state.
- The State Election Commissions have similar powers and functions as the Election Commission of India but at the local level.
- They ensure the conduct of free and fair elections for the selection of representatives to local bodies, thereby promoting grassroots democracy.
- The State Election Commissions work in coordination with the Election Commission of India to ensure the smooth functioning of the electoral process at all levels.

In conclusion, while the Election Commission of India is responsible for the supervision, control, and direction of elections at various levels, including the legislative assemblies and the offices of the President and Vice-President of India, it is not responsible for the supervision, control, and direction of elections of local bodies. This responsibility lies with the State Election Commissions established in each state.

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