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The Election Commission of India is a constitutional body created to hold free and fair elections in India. It was established on January 25, 1950.
The Constitution of India has vested in the Election Commission of India the superintendence, direction and control of the entire process for conduct of elections to Parliament and Legislature of every State and to the offices of President and Vice-President of India.
The law which governs all elections in India as mentioned above is the Representation of People Act, 1950.
Commissioners
Originally, the commission had only a Chief Election Commissioner. It currently consists of Chief Election Commissioner and two Election Commissioners, for a long time, though, it had only the Chief Election Commissioner.
For the first time, two additional Commissioners were appointed on October 16, 1989 but they had a very short tenure till January 1, 1990. Later on October 1, 1993 two additional Election Commissioners were appointed. The concept of multi-member Commission has been in operation since then, with decision making power by majority vote.
Elecion Commission of India has pioneered a number of IT initiatives in the country. Its website is available at http://eci.gov.in
Appointment & Tenure of Commissioners
The President appoints Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners. They have tenure of six years, or up to the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier. They enjoy the same status and receive salary and perks as available to Judges of the Supreme Court of India. The Chief Election Commissioner can be removed from office only through impeachment by Parliament.
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