ELECTION COMMISSION (INDIA) DUTIES

1.       The Election Commission prepares the General Electoral Roll for the country comprising adult citizens who have registered themselves as voters. When the Electoral Roll is drafted, the Election Commission makes it available to the public through the internet as well as through special centers established for the same. This gives the people a chance to check whether their names are correct and are a part of the electoral roll.

2.       The Election Commission calls for an All Party Meeting to discuss the Poll Dates.

3.       The Election Commission meets the outgoing Prime Minister to determine whether General Elections would be practicable and feasible in the light of current national issues and circumstances.

4.       The Election Commission welcomes suggestions for Political parties regarding ways in which the conduct of elections may be improved.

5.       The Election Commission prepares a schedule for elections in a way that minimum inconvenience is caused to people and at the same time it is administratively feasible.

6.       The Election Commission ensures that the polls are free and fair, people are able to exercise their vote independently and that a law and order situation is avoided.

7.       The Election Commission organizes polling in ‘phases’ because of the huge size of Indian territory and population.

8.       Polls in different states are held on different dates within the same time frame.

9.       The Code of Conduct prescribed by the Election Commission comes into force when the Election Dates are declared. The Code of Conduct is a list of do’s and don’ts to be adhered to by all political parties contesting elections.

10.   According to the rule set down by the Election Commission. Campaigning must end forty eight hours before polling closes.