question_answer 17)

    Read these headlines carefully and identify which powers are used by the Election Commission in each instance to ensure free and fair elections,   (i) Election Commission issues notification constituting 14th Lok  Sabha.   (ii) Election Commission tightens norms for poll expenses.   (iii) Election Commission to visit Gujarat again, review poll arrangements.   (iv) High Court asks Election Commission to bar 'Criminal' netas.   (v) Election Commission shoots down Home Minister advice on poll reforms.   (vi) Phota I cards not mandatory in Bihar polls.   (vii) Election Commission accepts new Haryana DGP.   (viii) Election Commission will seek power to censure political ads.   (ix) Election Commission says no immediate plan to ban Exist Polls.   (x) Election Commission orders repoll in 398 more booths.   (xi) Election Commission to keep closer eye on hidden poll costs.

Answer:

(i) Election Commission takes decisions on every aspect of conduct and control of elections, from the announcement of elections to the declaration of results. (ii) Election Commission regulates campaigns to ensure that every political party or candidate gets a fair and equal chance to complete. It also ensures that no party or candidate can spend more than Rs. 25 lakhs for election in a Lok Sabha constituency and Rs 10 lakhs for election in an Assembly constituency.  (iii) During the election period, the Election Commission can order the government to follow some guide lines, to prevent use and misuse of governmental power to enhance its chances to win elections, or to transfer some government officials. (iv) Election Commission takes decisions on every aspect of conduct and control of elections. (v) Election Commission enjoys the same kind of independence that the judiciary enjoys. It is not supposed to work on the advice of the Home Minister. During the election period, the Election commission can order the government to follow some guidelines, to prevent use and misuse of the governmental power to enhance its chances to win elections, or to transfer some government officials. (vi) Election Commission takes decisions on every aspect of elections and control of elections from the announcement of elections to the declaration of results. It also includes the powers relating to the identification of the voters. (vii) During the election period, the Election Commission can order the government to follow some guidelines, to prevent use and misuse of governmental power to enhance its chances to win elections, or to transfer some government officials. (viii) Election Commission implements the code of conduct and punishes any candidate or party that violates it. (ix) Election Commission takes decisions on every aspect of conduct and control of elections from the announcement of elections to the declaration of results. It also includes power regarding the control of the Exist Polls. (x) Election Commission takes decisions on every aspect of conduct and control of elections from the announcement of elections and order to repoll to the declaration of results. (xi) It implements election laws and the code of conduct and punishes any candidate or party that violates it. Thus, every party or candidate can get a fair and equal chance to compete.