QUES . Discuss how the Election Commission of India ensures smooth conduct of elections. UPSC IES/ISS EXAM 2014 General Studies. 200 Words. 5 Marks
The Election Commission is a permanent and an independent body established by the Constitution of India directly to ensure free and fair elections in the country. Article 324 of the Constitution provides that the power of superintendence, direction and control of elections to parliament, state legislatures, the office of president of India and the office of vice-president of India shall be vested in the election commission.
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The Election Commission of India maintains independence, integrity and autonomy; ensures accessibility, inclusiveness, and ethical participation of stakeholders; and, adopts highest standards of professionalism for delivering free, fair, and transparent elections to strengthen the trust in electoral democracy and governance.
How the Election Commission of India ensures smooth conduct of elections?
Election Commission of India ensures smooth conduct of elections in many ways:
֍ The Election Commission determines the territorial areas of the electoral constituencies throughout the country on the basis of the Delimitation Commission Act of Parliament.
֍ It prepares and periodically revise electoral rolls and registers all eligible voters.
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֍ It notifies the dates and schedules of elections and scrutinises the nomination papers.
֍ It grants recognition to political parties and allots election symbols to them.
֍ It acts as a court for settling disputes related to granting of recognition to political parties and allotment of election symbols to them.
֍ It appoints officers for inquiring into disputes relating to electoral arrangements.
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֍ It determines the code of conduct to be observed by the parties and the candidates at the time of elections.
֍ It prepares a roster for publicity of the policies of the political parties on radio and TV in times of elections.
֍ It advises the president on matters relating to the disqualifications of the members of Parliament.
֍ It advises the governor on matters relating to the disqualifications of the members of state legislature.
֍ It cancels polls in the event of rigging, booth capturing, violence and other irregularities.
֍ It requests the president or the governor for the staff necessary for conducting elections.
֍ It supervises the machinery of elections throughout the country to ensure free and fair elections.
֍ It advises the president whether elections can be held in a state under president’s rule in order to extend the period of emergency after one year.
֍ It registers political parties for the purpose of elections and grants them the status of national or state parties on the basis of their poll performance.
By the above means Election Commission of India strives to conduct elections with highest standard of credibility, freeness, fairness, transparency, integrity, accountability, autonomy and professionalism.
However, at times questions have been raised over its autonomy and impartial functioning. Criticisms have also been raised for its inability to establish fair rules of the game or hold the line to ensure a level playing field.
Inspite of the criticisms, the Election Commission of India is one of the most prestigious and trusted institutions in the country. So, it must contribute towards the reinforcement of democratic values by maintaining and reinforcing confidence and trust of the people in the electoral system of the country.
External link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Election_Commission_of_India
