Election Commission

• The Election Commission is a permanent and an
  
• independent body established by the Constitution of India.
  
• Article 324 of the Constitution deals with the Election Commission of India.
  
• It is an all-India body.

It conducts elections to -

1. Parliament
   
2. State legislatures
   
3. The office of president of India
   
4. The office of vice-president of India

• Since 1950 and till 15 October 1989 – It is a single member body (only thse Chief Election Commissioner).
  
• From 16 October 1989 – Started to function as a multi – member body (1+2 – appointed by the president to manage the work load because of lowering the voting age from 21 to 18 years).
  
• In 1990 it became the single member body
  
• Since October 1993 - Started to function as a multi – member body (1+2).
  
• The chief election commissioner and the two other election commissioners have equal powers and equal salary (Similar to the judge of the Supreme Court).
  
• The term of six years (retirement age is 65 years).
  
• The chief election commissioner is removed through impeachment process (As Supreme court Judges).
  
• The Chief Electoral Officer of the State is appointed by Chief Election Commissioner with the consent of State Government.
  
• At District level, the Collector is the District Returning Officer.

The powers and functions (3) -

1. Administrative
   
2. Advisory
   
3. Quasi-Judicial