India, Sept. 28 -- The Election Commission of India (ECI) has become the focus of intense scrutiny in recent days. This has been manifested in a flurry of events and activities witnessed over the past several months.

The issues span multiple fronts, ranging from the legislation governing the appointment of the poll panel's head-the Chief Election Commissioner and the two Election Commissioners-to the Commission's functioning on constitutional matters, as well as general public reactions to its operational mechanisms.

An analysis of these issues shows how the nation is witnessing some of democracy's most critical aspects play out within one of the Constitution's most sensitive organs.

For decades under Article 324 of the Constitution, t...