The Election Commission decides the schedule of election to Parliament or State Legislature, taking into account the recommendations of the concerned government. The Election Commission generally announces the schedule, but the election process begins only with the notification of the President or the Governor, as the case may be, calling upon the voters to elect their representatives for different constituencies.

A period of eight days is allowed for the filing of nominations of candidates. While the candidate has to be a voter in the country, the proposers must be voters in the constituency in which the candidate is contesting. An Individual may contest from any number of constituencies.

After the period of nominations is over, the Returning Officer scrutinizes the nomination papers, and any serious defect in them may lead to their rejection. After scrutiny two clear days are allowed for withdrawal of candidature. The list of candidates is then finalized by the Returning Officers and symbols allotted to the parties and independent candidates. Reserved symbols are granted to the recognized parties and free symbols to the others.

A period of not less than 20 days from the last date for withdrawal of nomination is allowed for campaigning. Limits have been prescribed for the election expenses of candidates at rates for each State depending on the number of voters in the constitutencies. The election expenditure of political parties on behalf of candidates is not included in this amount. Companies are not allowed to make donations to political parties.

The campaign has to end in a constituency 48 hours before the close of poll. The Election Commission evolves a code of conduct from time to time and the political leaders are expected to follow it while campaigning, however, many a time it is blatantly violated. Election Commission plays a vital role in smooth conducting of elections.