Question

Mention any four functions of the Election Commission.

Hint:

The functions of the ECI can be broadly categorized into three types: Administrative (preparing rolls, scheduling elections), Advisory (advising the President on disqualification of MPs), and Quasi-Judicial (settling disputes related to party recognition and symbols).

Answer 1

Step 1: Key Concept:
The Election Commission of India (ECI) is an autonomous constitutional authority responsible for administering election processes in India at the national and state level. Its primary function is to ensure free and fair elections.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Four major functions of the Election Commission of India are:
1. Conduct of Elections: The ECI's foremost function is the superintendence, direction, and control of all elections to the Parliament, State Legislatures, and the offices of the President and Vice-President. This includes preparing schedules, notifying election dates, and overseeing the entire process from nomination to the declaration of results.
2. Preparation of Electoral Rolls: The Commission is responsible for preparing, maintaining, and periodically updating the electoral rolls (voter lists) for all elections. It ensures that all eligible citizens are registered to vote and that the rolls are accurate and free of errors.
3. Recognition of Political Parties and Allotment of Symbols: The ECI grants recognition to political parties as national or state parties based on their poll performance. It also allots unique election symbols to political parties and independent candidates, which is crucial for a country with varying levels of literacy.
4. Enforcement of Model Code of Conduct (MCC): To ensure a level playing field for all contestants, the ECI enforces a Model Code of Conduct. This code contains guidelines for the speech, polling day conduct, portfolios, election manifestos, processions, and general conduct of candidates and political parties during the election period.