UPSC Prelims 2017 Q90: Indian Polity – Elections & Electoral Reforms
Consider the following statements:
1. The Election Commission of India is a five - member body.
2. The Union Ministry of Home Affairs decides the election schedule for the conduct of both
general elections and by - elections.
3. The Election Commission resolves the disputes relating to splits and mergers of recognised
political parties.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) 2 and 3 only
- (d) 3 only
Answer: (d) 3 only
Explanation
Election Commission of India (Article 324)
| Statement | Verdict | Fact |
|---|---|---|
| 1. The Election Commission of India is a five-member body | Incorrect | It has three members: the Chief Election Commissioner and two Election Commissioners |
| 2. The Union Ministry of Home Affairs decides the election schedule for general elections and by-elections | Incorrect | The Election Commission decides the schedule |
| 3. The Election Commission resolves the disputes relating to splits and mergers of recognised political parties | Correct | Under the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968 |
Key facts:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Multi-member since | 1993 (briefly also in 1989) |
| Decisions | By majority; all three have equal say |
| Removal of the Chief Election Commissioner | Like a Supreme Court judge |
| Tenure | Six years or the age of 65 |
Answer: (d) 3 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. The Commission has three members, and the Home Ministry does not fix schedules.
- (b) Incorrect. The election schedule is decided by the Election Commission itself.
- (c) Incorrect. Statement 2 is false; the Ministry of Home Affairs has no such role.
- (d) CORRECT. Only statement 3 is right: the Commission decides splits and mergers disputes.
Key point
Election Commission: three members (Article 324); fixes election schedules; decides party splits and mergers under the Election Symbols Order, 1968.
Remember
Election Commission = 3 members; decides schedules and party splits.
Common mistakes
- Thinking the Commission is a single-member or five-member body.
- Assuming the government fixes election dates.
- Sending party split disputes to the courts first; the Commission decides them.
Exam tip
Everything about conducting elections belongs to the Election Commission, not to any Ministry.
Sources
- Constitution of India — Article 324
- Election Commission of India — Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968