Election Commission of India (ECI)

Definition

The constitutional body that superintends, directs and controls elections to Parliament, the State legislatures, and the offices of President and Vice-President.

Key points

• Established under Article 324; a permanent, independent body.
• A multi-member body since 1993: the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and two Election Commissioners, deciding by majority.
• The CEC can be removed only like a Supreme Court judge; the other Commissioners on the CEC's recommendation.
• Powers include preparing electoral rolls, enforcing the Model Code of Conduct, allotting symbols, and recommending disqualifications.
• Does not handle local-body (panchayat and municipal) elections, which the State Election Commissions conduct under Articles 243K and 243ZA.

Why it matters for CAPF

Article 324, the multi-member structure, and the CEC removal procedure are high-frequency facts; CAPF personnel are deployed for election security, giving it a direct security link.

Common confusion

The ECI (national and State legislatures, Art 324) is distinct from the State Election Commissions (local bodies, Art 243K and 243ZA); the CEC and the other Commissioners have different removal protections.

Parent note

constitutional and statutory bodies