How the Election Commission of India Maintains Credibility

In the world’s largest democracy, conducting elections is nothing short of a logistical miracle. India’s Election Commission (ECI) is the institution that makes this miracle happen, election after election, across 1.4 billion people, 28 states, and 8 union territories.

But in a deeply diverse, politically intense nation, how does the ECI maintain its credibility?

The answer lies in a mix of constitutional power, operational transparency, public trust, and technological innovation. Let’s dive into the key ways in which the Election Commission upholds its reputation as the guardian of Indian democracy.

🏛️ What Is the Election Commission of India?

The Election Commission of India (ECI) is an autonomous constitutional authority responsible for administering:

Elections to the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies

Elections to the President and Vice President

Ensuring the Model Code of Conduct is followed

Supervising electoral rolls, political party regulation, and election logistics

It was established on 25th January 1950 and is governed by Article 324 of the Indian Constitution.

🛡️ 1. Constitutional Independence

Credibility begins with independence. The ECI is insulated from political influence in several ways:

The Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and Election Commissioners are appointed by the President of India, and their removal process is similar to that of a Supreme Court judge.

The ECI does not report to any ministry. It operates independently of the executive.

It has the power to delay elections, countermand polls, disqualify candidates, and act against sitting governments for code violations.

🎯 This legal backbone ensures that no ruling party can control the ECI directly.

🧩 2. The Model Code of Conduct (MCC)

One of the most important tools in the ECI’s arsenal is the Model Code of Conduct.

It kicks in from the date elections are announced.

It restricts the ruling party from making new policy promises, launching new schemes, or using state machinery for campaigns.

Violations can lead to warnings, censures, bans, or even FIRs.

The MCC is not law, but its moral and political force is enormous. Its enforcement is key to ensuring a level playing field.

🔍 3. Transparent and Robust Electoral Processes

To maintain public trust, the ECI emphasises transparency and consistency in every step of the electoral process:

Voter Registration:

Continuous updating of electoral rolls

Inclusion of new voters through awareness drives

Door-to-door verification in rural areas

Candidate Scrutiny:

Public disclosure of criminal records, educational background, and assets

Affidavit submission for all candidates

Monitoring of campaign spending

Election Day:

Use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verified Paper Audit Trails (VVPATs)

Polling officials were randomly selected from outside the candidate’s area

Sealing of EVMs with security codes and physical escorts to strong rooms

🧠 4. Technology and Innovation

India’s elections are modern, secure, and increasingly tech-savvy.

EVMs have made booth capturing nearly impossible.

VVPATs allow voters to verify their vote immediately after casting.

cVIGIL App enables citizens to report code violations instantly using smartphones.

GPS tracking of vehicles carrying EVMs and webcasting of sensitive polling stations further ensure transparency.

🎯 Technology enhances trust and reduces human error or tampering.

📉 5. Monitoring and Limiting Campaign Expenditure

Money power has long distorted Indian elections. To counter this, the ECI:

Caps election expenditure for candidates (₹95 lakh in Lok Sabha, ₹40 lakh in Assembly elections for most states)

Appoints Expenditure Observers in every constituency

Monitors rallies, media ads, vehicle usage, and cash distribution

Conducts raids with flying squads to seize illegal cash, liquor, and freebies

Example: In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, over ₹3,475 crore worth of illegal cash and goods were seized.

🗳️ 6. Free and Fair Access for Voters

The ECI has made voter inclusivity a priority:

Booth accessibility for senior citizens and persons with disabilities

Postal ballots for citizens above 80 years and essential workers

Special arrangements in conflict-prone or geographically difficult areas (e.g., Ladakh, Bastar)

Awareness campaigns like SVEEP (Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation)

It has also taken steps to register marginalised communities such as trans persons, tribals, migrant workers, and sex workers.

🔎 7. Independent Observers and Booth Surveillance

Every election sees the deployment of:

General Observers – oversee the fairness of the process

Expenditure Observers – track campaign money flow

Police Observers – ensure law and order

CCTV cameras and webcasting from sensitive booths ensure no rigging goes unnoticed. Central Armed Police Forces are often stationed in sensitive regions.

This multi-layered monitoring builds faith among voters.