What Are The Functions of Election Commission of India?

The Indian Constitution has established the Election Commission of India as the central authority responsible for overseeing elections across the nation. As a constitutional body, the Election Commission is tasked with conducting, regulating, and monitoring electoral processes in the country. In democratic nations like India, where leaders are chosen through elections, the Election Commission plays a crucial role in ensuring free and fair polls. Understanding its powers and functions is essential for every citizen. The first Election Commission was constituted on 25th January 1950.

What Are The Functions of Election Commission of India?

The Election Commission governs the polling procedures right from enrolling the parties to announcing the leaders. Their functions and powers are as follows:

• Issue symbols for the respective parties who are participating in the election.
• Recognise the parties for election, be it national, regional, or state.
• Determine the budget setup for polling processes from polling agents, including food, stationery, and sanitary measures. The budget is set up to inhibit the influence and vulgarity of excess money.
• Proofread the expenses list submitted 30 days before the result announcements. In case of any illegal practices, they have the power to disqualify the candidate.
• Prepare and update the electoral rolls and the voters’ list of the region.
• Issue the date and time for the polling process.
• Admit the election officers for the polling areas.
• Segregate and organise the electoral constituents and poll territories.
• Scrutinise and approve the nomination papers and documents.
• Settle the disputes for the symbols and recognition to the election parties.
• Set the limit for campaign expenditure for a candidate in every political party. They also set up the duration and date range for conducting election campaigns.
• Deliver the moral code of conduct for every election. It was first issued during the 5th general election held in 1971.
• They have the power to disqualify a candidate even after the election when the candidate violates the election guidelines.

The Election Commission of India has the following officials

• Chief electoral officer
• District election officer
• Returning officer
• Electoral registration officer