1.3.2. Advisory and Quasi-Judicial

Successes of the ECI in 2019 Lok Sabha Elections:

Voter Education and Participation- The highlight of 2019 was the highest ever voter turnout in a general election so far (67.11%), which proves that the EC’s voter education programme SVEEP (Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation) is effective.

Credibility of voting- After the counting was done, it was found that there wasn't a single case of a mismatch between the VVPAT slip and the EVM count.

Actions taken against politicians- The ECI took strong and unprecedented action against some political leaders in the recent general elections, debarring them from campaigning for up to three days by invoking Article 324.

Action against money power- The ECI cancelled the election to Vellore parliamentary constituency in Tamil Nadu after large unaccounted cash was unearthed during an income tax raid.

Under the Constitution, the Commission also has advisory jurisdiction in the matter of post- election disqualification of sitting members of Parliament and State Legislatures. Further, the cases of persons found guilty of corrupt

practices at elections, which come before the Supreme Court and High Courts are also referred to the Commission for its opinion on the question as to whether such person shall be disqualified and, if so, for what period. The opinion of the Commission in all such matters is binding on the President or, as the case may be, the Governor to whom such opinion is tendered.

The Commission has the power to disqualify a candidate, who has failed to lodge an account of his election expenses within the time and in the manner prescribed by law. The Commission also has the power for removing or reducing the period of such disqualification, as also other disqualifications under the law. It also acts as a Court for settling disputes related to granting of recognition to political parties and allotment of election symbols to them.

It also advises the President on whether elections can be held in a state under the President’s rule, in order to extend the period of emergency after one year