The Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of India is the head of the ECOI, a constitutional body responsible for administering and overseeing the electoral process in the country. The CEC is appointed by the President of India and enjoys the same status and receives salary and perks as available to Judges of the Supreme Court of India. The CEC plays a crucial role in ensuring free, fair, and transparent elections at the national and state levels.
Appointment
The Chief Election Commissioner is appointed by the President of India under Article 324(2) of the Constitution. The CEC’s tenure is six years from the date of assuming office or until the age of 65, whichever is earlier. The CEC can be removed from office only through a process of impeachment by Parliament, similar to the removal of a Judge of the Supreme Court.
Powers and Functions
The Chief Election Commissioner, along with two Election Commissioners, form the Election Commission of India. The CEC has the following powers and functions:
- Supervising and conducting elections to the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, State Legislative Assemblies, and the offices of the President and Vice President of India
- Preparing and periodically revising the electoral rolls for all elections
- Registering political parties and granting them recognition
- Monitoring and regulating the election expenses of candidates and political parties
- Ensuring compliance with the Model Code of Conduct during elections
- Investigating and adjudicating electoral disputes and complaints
- Conducting voter education and awareness programmes to encourage participation in the electoral process
Notable Chief Election Commissioners
Some of the notable Chief Election Commissioners of India include:
- Sukumar Sen (1950-1958)
- T. N. Seshan (1990-1996)
- M. S. Gill (1996-2001
- N. Gopalaswami (2006-2009
- Sunil Arora (2018-2021