1.1. Composition and Appointment

Under Article 324, the composition of the Commission has been made flexible and it can consist of one Chief Election Commissioner and such number of other Election Commissioners as the President may fix from time to time. There is also a provision for appointment of Regional Commissioners by the President in consultation with the Election Commission. Originally, the Commission had only a Chief Election Commissioner. It currently consists of a Chief Election Commissioner and two Election Commissioners.

For the first time, two additional Commissioners were appointed on 16thOctober 1989, but they had a very short tenure - till 1stJanuary 1990. Later, on 1stOctober 1993, two additional Election Commissioners were appointed. The concept of multi-member Commission has been in operation since then, with decision making by majority vote.

The Chief Election Commissioner and the two other Election Commissioners are appointment by the President and they have equal powers; receive equal salary and allowances, which are similar to those of a Supreme Court judge. The conditions of service and tenure of Election Commissioners and Regional Commissioners should be decided by the President. Currently, they hold office for a term of six years or until the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.