Multi-member Election Commission

The Election Commission of India (ECI) is a constitutional body established in 1950, responsible for conducting and regulating elections throughout India. A significant change occurred in 1989 when the Election Commissioner Amendment Act was adopted, transforming the ECI into a multi-member commission to ensure more democratic decision-making and mitigate controversies and confrontations with the government. The commission operates under the authority of the Constitution, particularly Article 324, and the Representation of the People Act, to administer elections to the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, state legislatures, and the offices of the President and Vice-President. It is served by a secretariat in New Delhi, with commissioners appointed by the President having a fixed tenure. While the commission plays a crucial role in maintaining electoral integrity, challenges such as the lack of prescribed qualifications for commissioners and the non-charge of administrative expenses on the Consolidated Fund of India have been identified.