Democratic Politics

Functions of the Election Commission of India : The Election Commission of India has to perform so many functions in order to hold free and fair elections. Election system in India has the following characteristics or Election Commission in India does the following important duties or jobs :
1. Preparation of Electoral Rolls : First of all, Electoral Rolls are prepared wherein the name, father’s name, age and sex of the voters are clearly mentioned.
2. Delimitation of Constituencies : Then the whole area, where elections are to be held, is divided into so many clear-cut constituencies so that elections are held in an organized way.
3. Fixing the Election Dates : Then the election date is announced so that voters could easily cast their votes on that particular date.
4. Scrutiny of Nomination Papers : Then the candidates, willing for contesting the elections, have to file their nominations upto a particular date. Then the Election Commission scrutinizes their papers and accepts or rejects the nomination papers as the case may be.
5. Allotment of Election Symbols : Then the political parties of national standing are allotted permanent election symbols. These symbols help even the ordinary man to understand the different parties instantly.
6. Printing of Ballot Papers : It is also the duty of the Election Commission to print the ballot-papers well in time.
7. Holding of free and fair Elections and Declaration of Results : Then on the fixed date, the elections are conducted. It is the duty of the Election Commission to set up Election Booths, to appoint the Presiding and the Polling Officers, to count the votes and to declare the results.
8. Checking Undue Interference of the Party-in-Power : Another important duty of the Election Commission is to see that the party in power does in no way take an advantage over other parties or individuals.