The role of Election Commission of India has evolved beyond conducting elections to becoming a guardian of electoral democracy. Critically evaluate.

Challenged in adoption & implementation: (1) Unequal participation with executive (Ref. > 1000 complaint against ruling party unresolved in 2024) - ADR (2) Lack of transparency (Ref. Form I4C not disclosed) (3) Inadequate enforcement of code conduct (Ref. Hate speeches in 2024 election) (4) Executive use of money & muscle power not being stopped (Ref. 2024 election I-SDAS curve - ADR 0 Enforced powers to ECI CAPR - State spending hitter than corporate donation (Diwali known complexity) - Administrative machinery support to ECI. * The Credibility of electoral process largely depends on the impartiality & integrity of ECI - Forms ECI N. Agalawami