The correct answer is: d) All of the above
The Election Commission of India (ECI) is an independent constitutional body responsible for administering elections to the Parliament of India, the legislatures of the states and union territories of India, and the offices of the President and Vice President of India. It is also responsible for regulating political parties in India.
The ECI was established on 25 January 1950, under the Constitution of India. The Chief Election Commissioner is appointed by the President of India, and the other Election Commissioners are appointed by the President on the recommendation of the Chief Election Commissioner.
The ECI has a number of functions, including:
- Conducting free and fair elections
- Registering political parties
- Resolving electoral disputes
- Devising electoral procedures
- Educating voters about their rights and responsibilities
- Overseeing the expenditure of political parties
The ECI is an independent body, and its decisions are not subject to the control of any other authority. It is funded by the government of India, but it has its own budget and accounts.
The ECI has been praised for its role in conducting free and fair elections in India. It has also been criticized for its handling of some electoral disputes. However, it remains an important institution in Indian democracy.
Here is a brief explanation of each option:
- Conducting free and fair elections: The ECI is responsible for conducting free and fair elections to the Parliament of India, the legislatures of the states and union territories of India, and the offices of the President and Vice President of India. It does this by overseeing the registration of voters, the preparation of electoral rolls, the conduct of polling, the counting of votes, and the announcement of results.
- Resolving electoral disputes: The ECI is also responsible for resolving electoral disputes. This includes disputes about the nomination of candidates, the conduct of polling, and the counting of votes. The ECI can either resolve disputes itself or refer them to the courts.
- Registering political parties: The ECI is also responsible for registering political parties. This means that it has to decide which parties are eligible to contest elections. The ECI considers a number of factors when registering a political party, including the party’s ideology, its organizational structure, and its financial resources.
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