Election Commission

The Election Commission is a constitutional authority established under Article 324 of the Indian Constitution. It is composed of the Chief Election Commissioner and usually two Election Commissioners, all appointed by the President of India. Their appointments are made with the aim of ensuring that elections across the country are conducted in a free, fair, and transparent manner. The Commission enjoys secure tenure, fixed salaries, and other safeguards to maintain its independence from political influence.

In simple language, the Election Commission acts like a referee in a sports match, ensuring that all political parties and candidates play by the rules. It is responsible for preparing and updating the electoral rolls, supervising polling procedures, and managing the use of modern tools such as Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and voter-verified paper audit trails (VVPAT). For instance, during the recent general elections, the use of advanced technology helped in reducing electoral malpractices and boosting public trust.

The vision and mission of the Commission revolve around upholding democratic values, promoting voter participation, and ensuring accountability in the electoral process. Its principles of transparency, neutrality, and responsiveness are central to maintaining the credibility of the nation’s democratic system. Overall, the Election Commission is vital in shaping India’s democracy by ensuring that every election is conducted with integrity.