The Election Commission of India (ECI) stands as a sentinel of democracy, ensuring that the world's largest election exercise is conducted with integrity and efficiency. In light of the statement, discuss the role of ECI in conducting free and fair elections. Also, state the associated challenges and discuss the role of ECI in conducting free and fair elections.

Article-324 of the constitution provide for office of ECI and one of four bulwarks of constitution as envisaged by EBR Ambedkar. Roles of ECI in conducting free and fair elections (1) Powers provided under RPAL Representation of peoples Act, 1950 & 1951, give it teeth. (2) Registration of political parties and demarcating state & national. (3) Role in ensuring Model Code of Conduct (starting from announcing of date of election. (4) Appellate authority of RPA 1951 in [illegible] disqualification of politics (>2 year of constitution) disqualified (twr year + 6y)

Solutions: (1) Autonomy & more teeth to ECI in terms of security of tenure to ECCs. (2) Premageet committee state and ARC partial defunding. (3) Rate of 48 hours silence on social media (sect-126) (4) Similar to Opinion poll also ban exist poll. Thus making largest democracy most vibrant democracy.