Which one of the following is correct in respect of the commencement of the election process in India?
A
The recommendation for election is made by the government and the notification for election is issued by the Election Commission
B
The recommendation for election is made by the Election Commission and the notification for election is issued by the Home Ministry at the Centre and Home Departments in the States
C
The recommendation for election is made by the Election Commission and the notification for election is issued by the President and Governors of the States concerned
D
Both the exercises of making a recommendation for election and that of issuing a notification in respect of it are done by the Election Commission
Correct Answer: Option C
Explanation
1. The question asks about the correct procedure for the commencement of the election process in India.
2. The power to conduct elections to Parliament, State Legislatures, President, and Vice-President is vested in the Election Commission of India (ECI), an independent constitutional body (Article 324).
3. The Election Commission decides the schedule for elections.
4. Once the ECI finalizes the schedule, it makes a formal recommendation to the appropriate authority to issue the notification calling the election.
5. For elections to the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, the notification is issued by the President based on the recommendation of the ECI.
6. For elections to the State Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council, the notification is issued by the Governor of the State concerned, based on the recommendation of the ECI.
7. Therefore, the recommendation comes from the Election Commission, and the notification is issued by the President (for parliamentary elections) or the Governor (for state legislature elections).
8. Option (C) correctly reflects this process.