Phase IFoundation
Background
Overview
Understanding the ECI's constitutional mandate, powers, and role is fundamental to Indian Polity, democratic governance, and electoral reforms, making it a recurring topic in UPSC examinations.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) is an autonomous constitutional body established under Article 324 of the Constitution, responsible for the superintendence, direction, and control of elections to Parliament, State Legislatures, and the offices of President and Vice-President. Its primary mandate is to ensure free, fair, and transparent elections.