1.1. Introduction

Elections are that part of the electoral system which makes use of all those means whereby a person becomes a member of an elected assembly. The Indian Constitution attaches special significance to independent electoral machinery for the conduct of elections. It puts in place an Election Commission of India, which is responsible for superintendence, direction and control of all elections. It is responsible for conducting elections to both the Houses of Parliament and State Legislatures and for the offices of President and Vice-President. Besides, it is also responsible for the preparation revision, maintenance and update of the list of voters. It delimits constituencies for election to the Parliament and the State Legislatures, fixes the election programme and settles election disputes. It performs many other functions related to elections.