Polity

Election Commission of India: Article 324

The Election Commission of India is a constitutional body under Article 324 that supervises and conducts elections to Parliament, State Legislatures and the offices of the President and Vice-President. It was set up on 25 January 1950, which is celebrated as National Voters' Day.

Last reviewed 2026-10-15

Composition and tenure

It has a Chief Election Commissioner and such number of other Election Commissioners as the President fixes. Since 1993 it has been a three-member body.
Appointments are made by the President. A 2023 law changed the selection committee to the Prime Minister, the Leader of Opposition and a Union Cabinet Minister.
Tenure is six years or until the age of 65, whichever is earlier.
The Chief Election Commissioner can be removed in the same manner as a Supreme Court judge.

Functions and limits

Prepares electoral rolls, notifies election schedules and recognises political parties.
Enforces the Model Code of Conduct, which is a set of guidelines and not a statute.
Does not conduct elections to panchayats and municipalities. Those are handled by State Election Commissions (Articles 243K and 243ZA).
Delimitation of constituencies is done by the Delimitation Commission.

Frequently asked questions

Which article establishes the Election Commission?

Article 324.

What is the tenure of the Chief Election Commissioner?

Six years or up to age 65, whichever comes first.

Does the Election Commission conduct panchayat elections?

No, State Election Commissions do.