4 functions of election commission

Administrative Powers of the Election Commission

• The commission has been empowered to function in accordance to the Delimitation Commission Act and define the territorial boundaries of electoral constituencies for different elections.
• It has been given powers to register and deregister any political party or entity.
• It is empowered to enforce the ‘Model Code of Conduct’ for election campaigns and ensures its implementation.
• It is empowered to keep a check on the election expenses of the political parties. This ensures a level playing field for all the political parties irrespective of their size and thus the capacity to spend.
• It has the power to appoint officers as election observers and expenditure observers from different departments of the Civil Services.

Advisory Powers of the EC:

• The Commission is empowered to advise the President of India regarding disqualification of the members of Parliament and the conditions for the same.
• The Commission also advises the Governors with respect to the disqualifications of members of the State Legislatures
• It advises the High Courts and Supreme Court in matters related to post-election disputes between candidates and political parties.

Election Commission Quasi-Judicial Powers

• The Election Commission is empowered to settle disputes regarding recognition granted to political parties and candidates.
• It has the powers to act as a court for matters related to disputes arising out of the allotment of election symbols to political parties and candidates. No two election symbols are the same, even in different regions.
• It must be noted that the elections with respect to the election of Panchayats and Municipalities are carried out under the supervision of the State Election Commission. The State Election Commissions are in turn advised by the ECI and are answerable to it.