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Kerala State Election Commission

Kerala State Election Commission is an autonomous and constitutional body constituted in Indian state of Kerala for ensuring that elections are conducted in a free, fair and unbiased way. Constitution of India with provisions as per Article 243K and 243 ZA and Article 324 ensures creation and safeguarding of the powers of State Election Commissions. The Kerala State Election Commission is responsible for conducting elections for Urban Local Bodies like Municipalities and Municipal Corporations, as well as Rural Local Bodies like Panchayats (which include Gram Panchayats, Block Panchayats, and District Panchayats), and any others specified by the Election Commission of India. Kerala State Election Commissioner is appointed by Governor of Kerala.

History and Administration

Kerala State Election Commission was formed in accordance with powers of Election Commission of India, which was constituted in year 1950 to supervise state level elections. State election commissioner is appointed by Governor. To ensure the autonomy of the position, the Kerala state election commissioner cannot be removed from office except on the grounds and manner specified for judge of High Court.

Kerala State Election Commission operates from Vikas Bhavan premises, located near Kerala State Assembly premises.

Powers and Responsibilities

Kerala States Election Commissioner is responsible for the following:

Releasing election schedule.
Issue notification containing guidelines for conducting elections for Municipal Corporations in State.
Conducting elections for Municipal Corporations in State.
Issue notification containing guidelines for conducting elections for conducting elections for Municipal panchayats in State.
Conducting elections for Municipal panchayats in State.
Laying guidelines for persons eligible to contest in elections for Municipal Corporations in State.
Conducting elections for Municipal panchayats in State.
Model code of conduct are following in elections for local bodies.
Updating Electoral rolls with new additions.
Updating Electoral rolls with removals, if any.
Declaration of results of elections held for Municipal Corporations in State.
Declaration of results of elections held for Municipal panchayats in State.
Ordering repoll if needed.
Making arrangements for Statewide polls.
Monitoring poll expenditure for Panchayat polls.
Laying guidelines for issue of opinion polls.
Decision on conducting elections.
Declaring results of local body polls.
Municipal and Panchayat constituencies delimitation exercise.
Countermanding elections in case of mal practices.

Composition

Kerala State Election Commission is headed by Chief Election Commissioner and as many members as specified in State Act. State Election Commissioners are independent persons not holding position or office in any Central or State Government organisations

Sri A.Shajahan IAS, is the Chief Election Commissioner of Kerala State Election Commission. His period of service will be 5 years or attaining an age of 65 years whichever is earlier.

Constitutional Requirements

Kerala State Election Commission was formed after amendment of Constitution with 73rd and 74th declaration. State Election Commissions were formed as per Article 243K of the Constitution, similar to setting up of Election commission of India as per Article 324.