Major functions of the Election Commission of India:
1. The Election Commission ensures free and fair elections in the country.
2. It supervises, directs and controls the entire election machinery and preparation of electoral roll.
3. It provides recognition to political parties and register them as national and state parties.
4. It allots the symbols to political parties and the numerous independent candidates contesting the elections.
5. It issues the guidelines and code of conduct for the election officials, candidates and for the political parties during the elections.
6. It redressal of election complaints received from the voters, the candidates and political parties.
7. It appoints the electoral officials.
8. It advises the President on matters relating to elections.
Major stages of Election Process:
1. Delimitation of Constituencies: It is the first step which is undertaken by the Election Commission. The whole country in the case of Lok Sabha elections and of that particular state in the case of Legislative Assembly elections. is directed into as many constituencies as there are seats.
2. Preparation of voters' list : Preparation and revision of the electoral roll or voters list constitute the next step done under the supervision of the Election Commission. Periodically the voters list of each constituency is prepared and published.
3. President and Governor's Notification: Consequent upon the President's and Governor's notifications, the Election Commission undertakes the task of conducting elections in the country.
4. Announcement of Election Schedule: The election schedule is announced-indicating the date for filling the nomination papers, their scrutiny, withdrawals, polling, counting of the votes and the declaration of the election results.
5. Allotment of election symbol: Allotment of election symbols to the candidates and the political parties is done by the Election Commission.
6. Election Campaign: The candidates and the political parties are given time for election campaigns by the Election Commission. The election campaign normally ends 48 hours before the election.
7. Voting: On the date fixed earlier, voting takes place. For voting, election booths are set up. Voters go to the polling booths and cast their votes for the candidates of their choice. Voting is held by secret ballot or now by EVMS.
8. Counting of votes and declaration of result: After the voting is over, the ballot boxes are opened before the candidates or their agents and votes are counted under the supervision of the returning officer. A candidate who gets the highest number of votes is declared elected.
9. Election Petition: If any candidate feels that the election in his constituency has not been held properly or if he has any objection against the result, he can file an election petition in the court. If the objections raised are found to be correct the court can set aside that election. In that constituency the election will be held again.
