Election Commission of India
Stuid
We all know that India is the largest democracy in the world. Elections play a huge role in determining the future of our country. The Election Commission of India is a vast body which was formed in the year 1950.
The Election Commission of India is primarily responsible for the smooth conduct of elections in our nation. The ECI has evolved considerably over the years.
Arun Goel is the current Election Commissioner (EC) of India.
The ECI is striving hard for bringing about developments in the election scenario for making the process easier and better for the public. The Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) were used in our country for the first time ever in the general election in Kerala in May, 1982. Moving ahead, in the 2004 general election to the Lok Sabha, over 1 million EVMs were used in 543 parliamentary constituencies across the country.
Voter’s ID was introduced in India in 1993. It helped in identifying people who were eligible to vote and those who were not eligible to vote. It also functions as a valid identity proof for the citizens of our country.
ECI works towards conducting fair elections. They monitor the activities of political parties and make sure that they adhere to the code of conduct and rules of democratic elections.
In a progessive step, the ECI introduced NOTA (None of the Above) in 2014. It was done mainly to stop people from voting for a contestant out of mere obligation. It reflects on the condition of political parties in our country as well.
Criticisms
Despite bringing about several changes and developments, the ECI faces criticism on various fronts. Many people claim that EVM machines are not 100 percent accurate. They say these machines can be tampered! Hence, some people do not consider the EVM results to be totally authentic!
There have been several instances in our country, where many people found their names missing in the voter’s list. This had a profound impact on the election results as well. Fingers were pointed at the ECI for the mishap.
Political parties resorting to hate speeches and malicious campaigns in election rallies is a common sight in our country these days. The Election Commission of India is often called out for turning a blind eye on such ugly tactics by politicians. Leaders tend to forego the spirit of our democracy as they engage in verbal spats.
Functions of ECI
- The ECI is in charge of conducting elections to Parliament and Legislature of every state in our country. They are also responsible for conducting elections to the offices of President and Vice-President.
- They decide the schedules for general/bye-elections throughout the country.
- They decide the location of polling stations. They assign voters, set up counting centers. They provide the necessary resources for the smooth conduct of elections.
- The ECI prepares electoral rolls and supplies Electronic Photo Identity Cards.
- They grant recognition to political parties and allot election symbols.
- They set limits of campaign expenditure and monitor the same.
- They deal with the matters of post-election disqualification!
- The ECI issues the ‘Model Code of Conduct’ to political parties and candidates for ensuring free and fair elections. They avoid arbitrary abuse of powers.
Therefore, the Election Commission of India (ECI), works hard for conducting elections with the highest standard of credibility, fairness, transparency, integrity, accountability, autonomy and professionalism.
Check your knowledge
Answer) Arun Goel.
Answer) Kerala.