The Election Commission of India (ECI) is a constitutional body established by the Constitution of India to conduct and regulate elections in the country. The Election Commission is an all-India body in the sense that it is common to both the Central government and the state governments. The body administers elections to the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, State Legislative Assemblies, State Legislative Councils, and the offices of the President and Vice President of the country. The Election Commission operates under the authority of the Constitution per Article 324, and subsequently enacted Representation of the People Act. The functions of the Election Commission of India include:
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Administrative: The Election Commission superintends, directs, and controls the entire process of conducting elections to Parliament and Legislature of every State and to the offices of President and Vice-President of India.
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Advisory: The Election Commission advises the President of India on matters related to the disqualification of members of Parliament and State Legislatures.
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Quasi-judicial: The Election Commission has the power to settle disputes related to the conduct of elections.
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Preparation of voter lists: The Election Commission periodically prepares revised voter lists and registers all eligible voters across the country.
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Granting recognition to political parties: The Election Commission grants recognition to political parties in the country and assigns election symbols to them.
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Setting election schedules: The Election Commission decides the election schedules for the conduct of periodic and timely elections, whether general or bye-elections.
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Issuing Electronic Photo Identity Card (EPIC): The Election Commission prepares electoral rolls and issues Electronic Photo Identity Cards (EPIC) .
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Location of polling stations: The Election Commission decides on the location of polling stations, assignment of voters to the polling stations, location of counting centers, etc. .
The Election Commission of India is responsible for ensuring free and fair elections in the country.
