With reference to terms of office and conditions of service of the Election Commission, answer the following questions:
(a) Who constitute the Election Commission? Who is the head of the Election Commission? Who appoints him?
(b) What is the term of the Election Commissioners? What happens in case there is a difference in opinion between the Election Commissioners?
(c) State any four functions of the Election Commission.
(a) The Election Commission consists of three members — a chief Election Commissioner and two other Election Commissioners.
The chief election commissioner is the head of the Election commission. He is appointed by the President of India
(b) The term of the Election Commissioners is six years. During this tenure if they attain the age of 65 years, they shall vacate office on the day of attaining this age.
In case there is a difference in opinion between the Election Commissioners, decision is taken in favour of the majority opinion.
(c) Following are the four functions of the Election Commission:
- Preparation of electoral rolls and photo identity cards.
- Registration and recognition of political parties.
- Fixing dates and conducting elections.
- Ensuring free and fair elections.