The Election Commission of India (ECI) is a constitutional body empowered to conduct free and fair elections in India. Headquartered in New Delhi, it is headed by a chief election commissioner and includes two other election commissioners.

The ECI sets dates for key stages of elections under its purview, including nominations, voting, counting and the announcement of results. In states and union territories, elections are supervised by chief electoral officers under the Commission’s direction. The ECI also undertakes exercises to verify and revise electoral rolls.

Role in the voter-roll dispute

Opposition parties have alleged that voter rolls are being manipulated under Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar to benefit the governing Bharatiya Janata Party. The Commission and the BJP have rejected the allegation. Opposition leaders have demanded Kumar’s resignation and said they would take their concerns to the Supreme Court.