- Election Commission of India is a permanent body entrusted for the conduct of free and fair elections.
- An independent Election Commission has been provided for in Article 324 of the Constitution of India.
- Currently has three members including Chief Election Commissioner (CEC).
- They all are appointed by the President for a term which is fixed by the President.
- Tenure: The service conditions and tenure of office of CEC and Election Commissioners are determined by Act of parliament titled The Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Conditions of Service) Act, 1991. This act has fixed their term for 6 years or till age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.
- Power/salary: The CEC and election commissioners have equal power and receive equal salary, allowances and other perquisites, which are similar to judge of Supreme Court. In case of difference of opinion amongst the Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioner, the matter is decided by the Commission by majority.
- One of the most important functions of the election commission is to prepare an up-to-date list of all the persons who are entitled to vote at the elections.
- Election Commission is entrusted with :
- Election of President;
- Election of Vice-President;
- Election of Lok Sabha as well as Rajya Sabha;
- Elections to State Legislatures as well as Legislative Councils;
- Reservation of Seats in Lok Sabha and State Legislatures;
- Qualifications of the MPs and MLAs;
- Determination of population for purposes of the election.