The term of office of the Chief Election Commissioner and the Election Commissioners is:

The Chief Election Commissioner and the Election Commissioners hold office for a term of six years, or until they attain the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.

Legal basis:

• The Constitution (Article 324) leaves the conditions of service and tenure of the Election Commissioners to be determined by the President, subject to any law made by Parliament.
• The term was fixed earlier by the Election Commission (Conditions of Service of Election Commissioners and Transaction of Business) Act, 1991.
• It is now provided by the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023.

No reappointment:

• Under the 2023 Act, a person who has been Chief Election Commissioner or Election Commissioner is not eligible for reappointment.
• If an Election Commissioner is appointed as Chief Election Commissioner, his total term cannot exceed six years.

Removal:

• The Chief Election Commissioner can be removed only in the manner and on the grounds of a Supreme Court judge.
• Election Commissioners can be removed by the President on the recommendation of the Chief Election Commissioner.

Resignation:

They can resign at any time by writing to the President.

Salaries:

The salary and allowances are equal to those of a judge of the Supreme Court, under the 2023 Act.

Decision-making:

The Chief Election Commissioner and the Election Commissioners have equal powers, and decisions are taken by majority.

Composition:

Since the early 1990s, the Commission has had one Chief Election Commissioner and two Election Commissioners.

Comparison with other constitutional bodies:

• The Comptroller and Auditor General also holds office for six years or until 65 years of age.
• UPSC members hold office for six years or until 65 years of age.

Why not the other options?

• ✗Five years, four years and an age of 70 are not the tenure of Election Commissioners.