The correct answer is: d) All of the above.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) is an independent constitutional authority 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.
The ECI is headed by the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), who is assisted by two Election Commissioners. The ECI is responsible for the following:
- Conducting free and fair elections
- Registering political parties
- Resolving electoral disputes
- Ensuring that elections are conducted in accordance with the Constitution and the laws of India
The ECI is a highly respected institution in India and has played a vital role in the country’s democratic development. The ECI has been praised for its independence, impartiality, and efficiency.
The ECI has also been criticized for its slow pace of reforms and for its failure to address some of the challenges facing Indian democracy, such as the use of money and muscle power in elections.
Despite these criticisms, the ECI remains an important institution in Indian democracy and plays a vital role in ensuring that elections are free and fair.