By the end of this lesson, you'll solve:
"India conducts the world's largest elections — 960+ million voters. How does a country this large conduct free and fair elections? Meet the people who make it happen."
The Election Commission of India
The Election Commission of India (ECI) is a constitutional body (Article 324) that conducts free and fair elections. It is independent of the government — not even the PM can interfere with election conduct.
Key Points
- 1ECI established under Article 324 of the Constitution. Independent constitutional body.
- 2Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) is appointed by the President but cannot be removed easily (like a Supreme Court judge)
- 3Powers: announces election dates, enforces Model Code of Conduct, can transfer officials, can postpone elections in conflict areas
- 4Model Code of Conduct (MCC): comes into force when elections are announced. Government cannot announce new schemes, transfer voters, use government resources for campaigning.
- 5First Chief Election Commissioner: Sukumar Sen (1950) — conducted India's first general election 1951-52
- 6ECI conducts: Lok Sabha elections, Vidhan Sabha elections, Presidential and Vice-Presidential elections
Pro Tip
"Model Code of Conduct is like a referee's whistle at the start of a game — the government stops being the government and becomes just another contestant." The MCC ensures the ruling party doesn't misuse its power while in office during elections.
Listen