Administrative powers
- To demarcate electoral constituencies in the country on the basis of the Delimitation Commission Act of Parliament.
- To prepare and periodically update electoral rolls and to register all eligible voters.
- To notify the dates and schedules of elections and to scrutinise nomination papers.
- To grant recognition to political parties and allot election symbols to them.
- To cancel polls in the event of rigging, booth capturing, violence and other irregularities.
- To supervise the machinery of elections throughout the country to ensure free and fair elections.
- To register political parties for the purpose of elections and grant them the status of national or state parties on the basis of their poll performance
- ECI appoints the following seats:
- Chief Electoral Officer
- District Election Officer
- Returning Officer
- Electoral Registration Officer
- It regulates the campaign expenditure per candidate of all political parties without any discrimination.
Quasi-Judicial Powers
- It acts as a court for settling disputes related to granting of recognition to political parties and allotment of election symbols to them.
- To appoint officers for inquiring into disputes relating to electoral arrangements.
- It defines a model code of conduct for all political parties and candidates and ensures they adhere to it during election season.
Advisory Powers:
- It advises the president on matters relating to the disqualifications of the members of Parliament.
- It advises the governor on matters relating to the disqualifications of the members of state legislature.
- It advises the president whether elections can be held in a state under president’s rule in order to extend the period of emergency after one year.
Judicial Review:
- The election commission cannot review any result on its own without a proper election petition filed before the High court or Supreme Court.
