The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Wednesday said its functioning as a multi-member constitutional body includes internal discussions, observations and technical suggestions before decisions are finalised. The clarification came amid a report highlighting objections recorded by two Election Commissioners over various decisions in the past 10 months.
In a press note dated September 23, the poll panel said it functions under Article 324 of the Constitution, statutory rules and established institutional practices. It said all actions taken by the Commission have followed its laws and instructions.
ECI says differing views are part of deliberations
The Commission said written notes and observations are part of its internal checks and balances and are intended to ensure transparency and legal compliance.
“Differing views and observations are a normal part of deliberation in any institution. They are a part of the decision-making process before a final decision is taken,” the ECI said.
It added that not only the three Election Commissioners but also officers within the Commission are authorised to offer suggestions for improving the electoral system.
The ECI also said official orders, decisions and administrative directions issued in its name carry legal sanctions and follow procedures under the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023.
Commission says SIR decisions were unanimous
Addressing the focus on internal notes spread over a 10-month period, the ECI said looking at individual observations without the larger body of approvals and decisions could present an incomplete picture.
The Commission said it had taken numerous decisions, issued instructions and introduced around 40 new initiatives in recent months. It also referred to electoral reforms, including the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), and said these were outcomes of decisions taken by the full Commission.
“All these decisions are an outcome of the unanimous decisions of the full Commission in the past one year.”
The ECI has previously maintained that decisions relating to SIR and other major measures had the approval of all three commissioners.
ECI points to recent election work
The Commission also highlighted the elections recently conducted in Bihar, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Assam and West Bengal, saying the exercises involved extensive administrative and operational work along with multiple approvals and instructions.
On its digital systems, the ECI said platforms such as ECINet operate under security protocols designed to prevent unauthorised tampering and manipulation. It also said statutory authorities, including Electoral Registration Officers and District Election Officers, exercise powers for voter registration and deletion under the law.
The Commission said it remains committed to carrying out its constitutional duties with “complete integrity” and recognised its role in the functioning of the electoral system.