INTRODUCTION
India is a democratic country, the representatives of democratic nations are to be chosen by the people of the country. To ensure free and fair elections it is important to set up a conducting body who handles this responsibility. Article 324 of Indian Constitution lays down the provision of Election Commission of India to superintendent control and conduct elections to the office of President, Prime Minister, MLA and MP etc. The first chief election commissioner was Sukumar Sen. SS Dhoana and VS Segal were other two first election commissioners when it was converted into multi member body.
FUNCTIONS OF ELECTION COMMISSION
- TO CONDUCT THE ELECTION :- The major work of election commission is to conduct the election fairly after every five years.
- PREPARING POLLING STATIONS :- It is responsibility of election commission to set up polling stations in every ward so that people can vote easily.
- ELECTROL ROLL :- Election commission has to prepare the voter list where all the eligible candidates above the age of 18 are enlisted. This list ensure that's citizens above the 18 age must vote frequently.
- RECOGNISATION OF POLITICAL PARTIES :- It is the work of election commission to recognise the political parties and categories them under National, state or regional political parties fir which different criteria are set by commission.
- ALLOTMENT OF SYMBOLS :- Election Commission allotted symbol to different political parties which provide then unique identity during the election. For example lotus is a symbol of BJP.
- RELEASING OF ELECTION BUDGET :- Election Commission releases the budget fur election under certain limits fur political parties to spend over election campaign.
- ALLOTMENT OF ELECTION OFFICERS :- Election officers are appointed by election commission in different polling stations for the safety of polling booth and to conduct fair elections.
- RELEASING OF DATE AND ANNOUNCEMENT OF RESULTS :- Election Commission release the date of election and results. The results are also announced bh election commission and if re- elections are too conducted by it only if necessary.
CONCLUSION
Election commission of India is responsible for only conducting the central elections and not of lower levels like Panchayat elections for which a separate election body ; State Election Commission was set up in 1992.