Answer:
- The Election Commission of India is an independent body set up under the Constitution. It consists of the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners; since 1993 it has been a three-member body.
- The Chief Election Commissioner and the other Election Commissioners are appointed by the President of India.
- Their term is six years or till the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.
- The Chief Election Commissioner can be removed only in the same manner as a judge of the Supreme Court, which keeps the post free from government pressure.
- The Commission conducts free and fair elections to Parliament, the State Legislatures and the offices of the President and the Vice-President.
Note: Under a 2023 law, the President makes these appointments on the recommendation of a selection committee of the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and a Union Cabinet Minister.
