Electoral Process in India: Structure, Legal Framework & Voting Procedures Explained

India, the world's largest democracy, operates a robust and intricate electoral system designed to ensure free, fair, and transparent elections. This comprehensive process, overseen by a constitutionally empowered body, is fundamental to the nation's democratic fabric.

1. Introduction to the Electoral Process in India

The electoral process in India is a monumental exercise, involving a vast electorate exceeding 605 million voters and nearly 800,000 polling stations spread across diverse geographical and climatic zones. It determines the composition of the Lok Sabha (House of the People), Rajya Sabha (Council of States), State Legislative Assemblies, and the offices of the President and Vice-President. Elections to the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies are held every five years unless dissolved earlier. India's electoral system is based on universal adult suffrage, granting every citizen over the age of 18 the right to vote.

2. Constitutional Framework: Part XV of the Indian Constitution

The foundational principles and framework for elections in India are enshrined in Part XV of the Constitution, specifically Articles 324 to 329. These articles establish the Election Commission of India (ECI) as the supreme authority for conducting elections and lay down key provisions.

2.1. Key Constitutional Articles:

• Article 324: Superintendence, Direction, and Control of Elections. This article vests the power of superintendence, direction, and control of the preparation of electoral rolls and the conduct of elections to Parliament, State Legislatures, and the offices of President and Vice-President in the Election Commission. It underscores the ECI's independent and impartial functioning.
• Article 325: No person to be ineligible for inclusion in, or to claim to be included in a special electoral roll on grounds of religion, race, caste, or sex. This provision establishes the principle of a unified electoral roll for every territorial constituency, ensuring no discrimination in voter registration.
• Article 326: Elections to the House of the People and to the Legislative Assemblies of States to be on the basis of adult suffrage. This article mandates that elections to the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies shall be based on universal adult suffrage, meaning any citizen over 18 years of age can vote.
• Article 327: Power of Parliament to make provision with respect to elections to Legislatures. This empowers Parliament to make laws concerning all matters related to elections to both Houses of Parliament and State Legislatures, including delimitation of constituencies and preparation of electoral rolls.
• Article 328: Power of Legislature of a State to make provision with respect to elections to such Legislature. This provision grants State Legislatures the power to make laws for state elections, subject to constitutional provisions.
• Article 329: Bar to interference by courts in electoral matters. This article generally bars the jurisdiction of courts in electoral matters, particularly concerning the validity of laws related to delimitation of constituencies and the questioning of elections except through an election petition.

Constitutional Articles Mapping

graph TD
    A[Part XV of Indian Constitution] --> B[Articles 324-329]
    B --> C1[Article 324: ECI's Role]
    B --> C2[Article 325: Unified Electoral Roll]
    B --> C3[Article 326: Adult Suffrage]
    B --> C4[Article 327: Parliament's Power on Election Laws]
    B --> C5[Article 328: State Legislature's Power on Election Laws]
    B --> C6[Article 329: Bar to Judicial Interference]

    C1 --> D1[Superintendence, Direction, Control of Elections]
    C1 --> D2[Appointing CEC & ECs]
    C2 --> D3[No Discrimination in Voter Registration]
    C3 --> D4[Voting Age 18+]
    C4 --> D5[Laws for Parliamentary & State Elections]
    C5 --> D6[Laws for State Elections (Subj. to Parliament)]
    C6 --> D7[Election Petitions for Disputes]

3. Legal Framework: Key Legislations

Building upon the constitutional provisions, Parliament has enacted comprehensive laws to govern the electoral process. The primary laws are the Representation of the People Act, 1950, and the Representation of the People Act, 1951.

3.1. Representation of the People Act (RPA), 1950

This Act primarily deals with the preparation and revision of electoral rolls and the allocation of seats.

• Allocation of Seats: It provides for the allocation of seats in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies and Councils.
• Delimitation of Constituencies: It outlines the process for delimitation (fixing boundaries) of constituencies for elections. The President, in consultation with the Election Commission, can alter constituencies.
• Qualifications and Disqualifications of Voters: It establishes eligibility criteria for voters and conditions for disqualification.
• Preparation of Electoral Rolls: It mandates the preparation and periodic revision of electoral rolls (voter lists) under the superintendence, direction, and control of the Election Commission. A person cannot be registered in more than one constituency.

3.2. Representation of the People Act (RPA), 1951

This Act is more extensive and governs the actual conduct of elections, qualifications and disqualifications of members, corrupt practices, and dispute resolution.

• Conduct of Elections: It lays down detailed procedures for the entire election process, including polling, counting of votes, and declaration of results.
• Qualifications and Disqualifications for Membership: It specifies the qualifications required for contesting elections to Parliament (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha) and State Legislatures, and the grounds for disqualification. For example, a candidate for Lok Sabha must be an Indian citizen and at least 25 years old.
• Registration of Political Parties: The ECI registers political parties under this law and grants them recognition as national or state parties based on their poll performance, allotting unique election symbols.
• Corrupt Practices and Election Offences: It defines various corrupt practices and election offenses (e.g., bribery, undue influence, booth capturing) and provides for their punishment.
• Dispute Resolution: It outlines the mechanism for resolving election disputes, with election petitions now heard by High Courts, while disputes concerning Presidential and Vice-Presidential elections are heard directly by the Supreme Court.
• Election Expenses: Every candidate must keep a separate and correct account of all election expenditure.

Legal Framework Diagram

graph TD
    A[Indian Electoral System] --> B[Constitutional Provisions (Part XV)]
    B --> C1[Article 324: ECI]
    B --> C2[Article 325-329: Other Electoral Matters]

    A --> D[Key Legislations]
    D --> E1[Representation of the People Act, 1950]
    E1 --> F1[Allocation of Seats]
    E1 --> F2[Delimitation of Constituencies]
    E1 --> F3[Voter Qualifications & Electoral Rolls]

    D --> E2[Representation of the People Act, 1951]
    E2 --> G1[Conduct of Elections]
    E2 --> G2[Candidate Qualifications & Disqualifications]
    E2 --> G3[Political Party Regulation]
    E2 --> G4[Corrupt Practices & Election Offences]
    E2 --> G5[Election Dispute Resolution]

    A --> H[Rules & Regulations]
    H --> I1[Conduct of Election Rules, 1961]
    H --> I2[Registration of Electors Rules, 1960]
    H --> I3[Model Code of Conduct]

4. Key Institutions and Roles

The smooth functioning of the electoral process relies heavily on a dedicated set of institutions and their clearly defined roles.

4.1. Election Commission of India (ECI)

The ECI is a permanent, autonomous constitutional body established on January 25, 1950. It is responsible for the superintendence, direction, and control of the entire process for conducting elections to Parliament, State Legislatures, and the offices of President and Vice-President.

• Structure: The ECI initially functioned as a single-member body. Since October 1, 1993, it has been a multi-member body comprising a Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and two Election Commissioners (ECs). The President appoints the CEC and ECs, who have a tenure of six years or until they reach 65 years of age, whichever is earlier. They enjoy the same status, salary, and perks as Supreme Court judges. Decisions are taken by majority vote.
• Powers and Functions: The ECI's powers are broadly categorized into administrative, advisory, and quasi-judicial functions.
  • Administrative Powers:
    • Determining territorial areas of electoral constituencies (Delimitation).
    • Preparing and periodically revising electoral rolls and registering eligible voters.
    • Notifying election schedules and dates (filing nominations, polling, counting, results).
    • Granting recognition to political parties and allocating election symbols.
    • Appointing election observers.
    • Enforcing the Model Code of Conduct (MCC).
    • Keeping a check on election expenses.
    • Cancelling elections if malpractices are detected.
  • Advisory Powers:
    • Advising the President on disqualification of Members of Parliament.
    • Advising Governors on disqualification of State Legislature members.
    • Advising High Courts and the Supreme Court on post-election disputes.
  • Quasi-Judicial Powers:
    • Settling disputes concerning recognition of political parties and allotment of election symbols.
• Exclusions: The ECI does not deal with elections to Municipalities and Panchayats; these are handled by separate State Election Commissions.

ECI Structure and Functions Organogram

graph TD
    A[Election Commission of India (ECI)] --> B[Composition]
    B --> C1[Chief Election Commissioner (CEC)]
    B --> C2[Two Election Commissioners (ECs)]
    C1 & C2 --> D[Appointed by President]
    C1 & C2 --> E[6-year term or 65 years, whichever is earlier]
    C1 & C2 --> F[Status & Salary like SC Judge]
    C1 & C2 --> G[Decisions by Majority]

    A --> H[Powers & Functions]
    H --> I1[Administrative Powers]
    I1 --> J1[Delimitation of Constituencies]
    I1 --> J2[Voter Registration & Electoral Rolls]
    I1 --> J3[Announcing Election Schedule]
    I1 --> J4[Party Recognition & Symbol Allotment]
    I1 --> J5[Enforcing Model Code of Conduct (MCC)]
    I1 --> J6[Monitoring Election Expenditure]
    I1 --> J7[Appointing Observers]
    I1 --> J8[Cancelling Elections]

    H --> I2[Advisory Powers]
    I2 --> K1[Advising President on MP Disqualification]
    I2 --> K2[Advising Governor on MLA/MLC Disqualification]
    I2 --> K3[Advising Courts on Election Disputes]

    H --> I3[Quasi-Judicial Powers]
    I3 --> L1[Settling Party Recognition Disputes]
    I3 --> L2[Settling Symbol Allotment Disputes]

    A --> M[Assistance]
    M --> N1[Chief Electoral Officer (State Level)]
    M --> N2[District Election Officers, Returning Officers, etc.]

4.2. Other Key Stakeholders:

• Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs): Appointed by the ECI from senior civil servants in each state, they supervise election work at the state level.
• District Election Officers (DEOs): Typically the District Collectors/Magistrates, they coordinate election work in their respective districts.
• Returning Officers (ROs): Appointed for each constituency, they receive nominations, oversee election formalities, and declare results.
• Presiding Officers: In charge of individual polling stations.
• Electoral Registration Officers (EROs): Responsible for preparing and revising electoral rolls.

5. Voting Procedures: From Notification to Declaration

The Indian electoral process follows a well-defined sequence of steps to conduct elections.

5.1. Pre-Election Phase:

• Time of Elections: Elections for the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies generally take place every five years.
• Announcement of Election Schedule: The Election Commission of India announces the election schedule, including dates for notification, nominations, scrutiny, withdrawal, polling, and counting.
• Issue of Notification: A formal notification for the election is issued.
• Filing of Nominations: Prospective candidates submit their nomination papers to the Returning Officer. Candidates for Lok Sabha or Vidhan Sabha need at least one registered elector of the constituency to support their nomination if sponsored by a recognized party, or ten electors otherwise.
• Scrutiny of Nominations: The Returning Officer scrutinizes nomination papers to ensure they meet legal requirements.
• Withdrawal of Candidatures: Candidates can withdraw their nominations within a specified period.
• Allocation of Symbols: The ECI allocates election symbols to political parties and independent candidates. Party symbols enable illiterate voters to identify their chosen candidate.
• Election Campaign: Political parties and candidates engage in campaigning, subject to the Model Code of Conduct. The MCC is a set of guidelines evolved with the consensus of political parties to ensure ethical campaigning.
• Voter List Preparation: Electoral rolls are continuously updated and revised. Citizens must ensure their name appears on the voter list to be eligible to vote.

5.2. Polling Day Procedures:

• Polling Stations: Polling stations are usually set up in public institutions like schools and community halls.
• Voter Identification: When an elector enters the polling station, their name is checked against the electoral roll, identity is verified (using EPIC/Voter ID card or other approved IDs), indelible ink is applied to the left forefinger, and a voter slip is issued.
• Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and VVPATs: Voting in Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assembly elections is conducted using Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). India introduced EVMs in a phased manner starting in the late 1990s, and by 2004, they were used in all Lok Sabha constituencies.
  • VVPAT (Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail): Introduced to enhance transparency and voter confidence, VVPATs are connected to EVMs. After a voter presses the button on the EVM, a paper slip showing the chosen candidate's name and symbol is printed and visible through a transparent window for about seven seconds before it drops into a sealed box. This slip serves as an audit trail. The Supreme Court directed the Election Commission to include a paper trail in 2011, making VVPATs an "indispensable requirement of free and fair elections." VVPATs were first used in a by-election in Nagaland in 2013 and fully deployed in all Lok Sabha constituencies in 2019.
• Secret Ballot: Voting is by secret ballot, ensuring the voter's choice remains confidential.
• NOTA (None of the Above): Introduced in 2013, voters have the option to choose 'None of the Above' if they don't wish to vote for any of the contesting candidates.

5.3. Post-Polling Phase:

• Counting of Votes: After polling, votes cast in EVMs are counted under the supervision of Returning Officers and Observers appointed by the ECI. The ECI claims EVMs are standalone, battery-powered, and tamper-proof, with no internet connectivity.
• Declaration of Results: Once counting is complete, the Returning Officer declares the candidate with the highest number of votes as the winner (first-past-the-post system).
• Constitution of House: The Election Commission formally notifies the newly elected members, leading to the constitution of the new House.
• Election Petitions: Disputes arising from elections can be challenged through election petitions in the High Courts.

Voting Procedure Flowchart

graph TD
    A[Voter enters Polling Station] --> B{Identity Verification & Electoral Roll Check}
    B --> C[Indelible Ink applied on finger]
    C --> D[Voter signs Register (Form 17A) & receives slip]
    D --> E[Proceeds to Polling Booth]
    E --> F[Casts Vote on EVM]
    F --> G[Voter views VVPAT slip for 7 seconds]
    G --> H[VVPAT slip drops into sealed box]
    H --> I[Beep sound confirms vote]
    I --> J[Voter exits Polling Station]

6. Landmark Judgments and Electoral Reforms

The Indian judiciary, particularly the Supreme Court, has played a pivotal role in strengthening the electoral process through landmark judgments and directives, often pushing for greater transparency, fairness, and accountability.

6.1. Key Judgments & Reforms:

• Mohinder Singh Gill v. The Chief Election Commissioner (1977): The Supreme Court affirmed that the right to vote is a fundamental right and that any arbitrary deprivation of this right is unconstitutional. This case established the ECI's residuary powers under Article 324 to act in situations where enacted laws are silent or insufficient.
• Association for Democratic Reforms v. Union of India (2002): This landmark case mandated the disclosure of information by electoral candidates. The Supreme Court ruled that voters have a right to information about candidates' criminal antecedents, educational qualifications, and financial assets, considering it part of the fundamental right to freedom of speech and expression (Article 19(1)(a)). This significantly enhanced transparency in elections.
• Lily Thomas v. Union of India (2013): The Supreme Court struck down Section 8(4) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, which allowed convicted legislators a three-month window to appeal their conviction, effectively delaying disqualification. The judgment stated that disqualification upon conviction is immediate.
• Subramanian Swamy v. Election Commission of India (2013): The Supreme Court held that VVPATs are "indispensable for free and fair elections" and directed the ECI to equip EVMs with VVPAT systems to ensure accuracy and voter confidence.
• PUCL v. Union of India (2013): This case led to the introduction of the 'None of the Above' (NOTA) option on EVMs, allowing voters to express their disapproval of all contesting candidates without forfeiting their right to vote.
• Recent Developments (ADR v. ECI, 2024): The Supreme Court recently dismissed requests for 100% cross-verification of EVM data with VVPAT records, maintaining the current system of verifying VVPATs from five randomly selected polling stations per assembly constituency/segment.

6.2. Major Electoral Reforms Undertaken:

India's electoral system has undergone several reforms since independence:

• Reduction of Voting Age (61st Constitutional Amendment Act, 1988): The voting age was lowered from 21 to 18 years, significantly expanding democratic participation.
• Multi-member ECI: The ECI transitioned from a single-member to a multi-member body in 1989 and then permanently in 1993, to cope with increased workload and enhance impartiality.
• Introduction of EVMs (1989 onwards) and VVPATs (2013 onwards): These technologies aimed to reduce electoral fraud, speed up counting, and increase transparency.
• Model Code of Conduct (MCC): Though not legally binding, the MCC, developed and enforced by the ECI, regulates the conduct of political parties and candidates during elections to ensure a level playing field.
• Voter ID Cards (EPIC): Introduction of Electors Photo Identity Cards to prevent impersonation and streamline voter identification.
• Electronically Transmitted Post Ballot System (ETPBS): Introduced in 2016, allowing service voters (armed forces, government employees on election duty) to vote remotely.

Comparison Table: Key Electoral Reform Milestones

7. Contemporary Developments and Challenges

Despite significant progress, the Indian electoral system faces ongoing challenges and calls for further reforms.

7.1. Key Challenges:

• Criminalization of Politics: A significant number of elected representatives face criminal charges, raising concerns about the integrity of the political system.
• Influence of Money Power: Excessive election spending, lack of transparency in political funding (e.g., electoral bonds struck down by SC), and the "freebie" culture undermine fair elections.
• Voter Fraud and Electoral Roll Issues: Allegations of duplicate voter IDs and manipulation of electoral rolls persist, highlighting the need for robust mechanisms for voter list integrity.
• Concerns over EVM Tampering and VVPAT Verification: Despite ECI assurances, concerns about EVM security and the demand for 100% VVPAT verification remain. The Supreme Court recently upheld the current 5% VVPAT verification.
• Violation of Model Code of Conduct (MCC): Instances of star campaigners using inappropriate language or appealing to caste/communal sentiments continue to be reported.
• Inner-Party Democracy: Lack of internal democracy within political parties is a recurring concern.
• Misuse of Social Media: The proliferation of fake news and misinformation during campaigns poses a challenge.
• First-Past-The-Post (FPTP) System: While simple, the FPTP system can lead to situations where candidates win with a minority of votes, raising questions about true representation.

7.2. Proposed Reforms:

Various committees, commissions, and civil society groups have recommended numerous electoral reforms, including:

• Decriminalization of Politics: Amending the RPA to disqualify candidates with serious criminal charges at the nomination stage.
• Transparency in Political Funding: Measures like state funding of elections and mandatory disclosure of donations.
• Strengthening ECI Independence: Ensuring financial autonomy and giving the ECI more authority to act against malpractices.
• Mandatory Inner-Party Democracy: Amending the RPA to mandate regular organizational elections within political parties.
• EVM and VVPAT Improvements: Exploring totaliser machines to combine votes from multiple EVMs to safeguard voter anonymity, and addressing concerns about VVPAT verification.
• Voter Awareness and Education: Enhancing voter awareness campaigns, especially in rural and backward areas.
• Simultaneous Elections: Synchronizing terms for Lok Sabha and state assemblies to reduce logistical challenges and costs, a concept currently under debate.
• Remote Voting: Exploring mechanisms for migrant workers to vote remotely.

8. Conclusion

India's electoral process, a testament to its democratic spirit, is a complex yet highly organized system governed by a robust constitutional and legal framework. The Election Commission of India stands as a pillar of this system, striving to ensure free and fair elections. While landmark judgments and continuous reforms have significantly strengthened the process, challenges like criminalization of politics, money power, and technological concerns remain. Addressing these issues through comprehensive legal and administrative overhauls, along with meaningful engagement among political parties and the ECI, is crucial to further reinforce public trust and uphold the integrity of India's vibrant democracy in the 21st century.

Interactive Q&A / Practice Exercises

Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs)

1. Which Article of the Indian Constitution vests the power of superintendence, direction, and control of elections in the Election Commission? a) Article 323 b) Article 324 c) Article 325 d) Article 326

Answer: b) Article 324 Explanation: Article 324 explicitly states that the superintendence, direction, and control of elections to Parliament, state legislatures, and the offices of President and Vice-President shall be vested in the Election Commission.

2. The Representation of the People Act, 1950, primarily deals with: a) Conduct of elections and election disputes b) Qualifications and disqualifications for membership of Parliament c) Preparation of electoral rolls and delimitation of constituencies d) Corrupt practices and election offenses

Answer: c) Preparation of electoral rolls and delimitation of constituencies Explanation: The Representation of the People Act, 1950, largely focuses on the preparation and revision of electoral rolls, allocation of seats, and delimitation of constituencies. The conduct of elections, qualifications/disqualifications for members, and corrupt practices are mainly covered by the RPA, 1951.

3. Which of the following is NOT a function of the Election Commission of India? a) Granting recognition to political parties b) Settling disputes concerning allotment of election symbols c) Conducting elections to Panchayats and Municipalities d) Enforcing the Model Code of Conduct

Answer: c) Conducting elections to Panchayats and Municipalities Explanation: The Election Commission of India is responsible for elections to Parliament, State Legislatures, and the offices of President and Vice-President. Elections to Municipalities and Panchayats are managed by separate State Election Commissions.

4. The voting age in India was reduced from 21 to 18 years by which Constitutional Amendment Act? a) 42nd Amendment Act b) 44th Amendment Act c) 61st Amendment Act d) 73rd Amendment Act

Answer: c) 61st Amendment Act Explanation: The 61st Constitutional Amendment Act of 1988 lowered the voting age for Lok Sabha and Legislative Assembly elections from 21 to 18 years.

5. Which Supreme Court judgment mandated the disclosure of criminal antecedents, educational qualifications, and financial assets of electoral candidates? a) Mohinder Singh Gill v. The Chief Election Commissioner b) Lily Thomas v. Union of India c) Association for Democratic Reforms v. Union of India d) Subramanian Swamy v. Election Commission of India

Answer: c) Association for Democratic Reforms v. Union of India Explanation: The 2002 judgment in Association for Democratic Reforms v. Union of India made it mandatory for candidates to disclose their criminal records, educational qualifications, and financial assets as part of the voter's right to information.

Scenario-Based Questions

1. Scenario: During a Lok Sabha election, a candidate is convicted of a serious criminal offense by a trial court just before the counting of votes. The candidate argues that they should still be allowed to be declared elected if they win, as they plan to appeal the conviction to a higher court.

Question: Based on landmark Supreme Court judgments in Indian electoral law, what would be the likely outcome regarding this candidate's eligibility? Justify your answer.

Answer: Based on the Supreme Court's judgment in Lily Thomas v. Union of India (2013), the candidate would likely be immediately disqualified upon conviction, regardless of their intent to appeal. Prior to this judgment, Section 8(4) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, allowed convicted legislators a three-month window to appeal, effectively delaying disqualification. However, the Supreme Court struck down this provision as unconstitutional, ruling that disqualification is immediate upon conviction for certain offenses. Therefore, if the conviction leads to disqualification under the RPA, 1951, the candidate would not be eligible to be declared elected, even if they secure the most votes.

2. Scenario: A political party approaches the Election Commission of India demanding that their specific symbol be used exclusively across all states where they plan to contest, even if they are a relatively new party with limited presence.

Question: How would the Election Commission of India likely respond to this request, considering its powers regarding political party recognition and symbol allocation?

Answer: The Election Commission of India (ECI) would likely not grant this request if the party is "relatively new with limited presence" and has not yet achieved the criteria for recognition as a National Party or a State Party in multiple states. The ECI grants recognition to political parties (National or State parties) based on their poll performance at general elections according to prescribed criteria. Only recognized National Parties are allotted a symbol for their exclusive use throughout the country. State parties have sole use of a symbol in the state where they are recognized. Registered-unrecognized parties can only choose a symbol from a selection of 'free' symbols. The ECI acts as a quasi-judicial body to settle disputes concerning the granting of recognition to political parties and allocating election symbols. Therefore, the ECI would inform the party that it must first meet the established criteria for recognition to be eligible for an exclusive symbol across states.

Match the Following

Match the Constitutional Article with its primary provision:

Answer:

1. Article 324 - C. Superintendence, direction, and control of elections vested in Election Commission
2. Article 325 - D. No person to be ineligible for inclusion in electoral roll on grounds of religion, race, caste, or sex
3. Article 326 - A. Elections to Lok Sabha and State Assemblies on the basis of adult suffrage
4. Article 329 - B. Bar to interference by courts in electoral matters

Chronological Order Exercise

Arrange the following key electoral reforms/developments in India in chronological order from earliest to latest:

1. Introduction of VVPATs
2. Reduction of voting age from 21 to 18
3. First use of EVMs in a by-election
4. Establishment of the Election Commission of India

Answer:

1. Establishment of the Election Commission of India (1950)
2. First use of EVMs in a by-election (1982)
3. Reduction of voting age from 21 to 18 (1988 - 61st Amendment Act)
4. Introduction of VVPATs (2013 - first used in a by-election in Nagaland)

Diagram-Based Question

Consider the "ECI Structure and Functions Organogram" provided in Section 4.1.

Question: Based on the organogram, identify and explain one administrative power and one quasi-judicial power of the Election Commission of India.

Answer:

• Administrative Power: One administrative power of the ECI, as shown in the organogram, is "Enforcing Model Code of Conduct (MCC)".

  • Explanation: The ECI frames and enforces the Model Code of Conduct, a set of guidelines for political parties and candidates, to ensure ethical and fair campaigning practices during elections. This helps maintain a level playing field and prevents misuse of power by the ruling party.

• Quasi-Judicial Power: One quasi-judicial power of the ECI, as indicated in the organogram, is "Settling Party Recognition Disputes".

  • Explanation: The ECI acts as a quasi-judicial body to settle disputes that arise between splinter groups of recognized political parties concerning their recognition or claims over party symbols. This function helps maintain order and legitimacy within the party system.

Recommended Books

You can explore these highly recommended resources for a deeper understanding.

• Indian Polity (English) by M Laxmikanth for UPSC CSE 2025 | 7th edition (latest) | Civil Services Exam - Prelims, Mains and Interview | State PSCs exams/ PCS exams - by M Laxmikanth
• Oswaal NCERT One For All Book for UPSC & State PSCs | Indian Polity Classes 6-12 - by Oswaal Editorial Board
• Bharat Ki Rajvyavastha (भारत की राजव्यवस्था) - M Laxmikanth for UPSC CSE