New Delhi: The Election Commission of India on Wednesday briefed Central Observers for deployment in the forthcoming Assembly elections in five states.
The Commission organised the meetings for polls in Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal. It called 1,444 officers, including 714 General Observers, 233 Police Observers and 497 Expenditure Observers.
The briefings are taking place in three batches on February 5 and 6 at the India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management in New Delhi. Chief Election Commissioner Shri Gyanesh Kumar led the sessions along with Election Commissioners Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Dr. Vivek Joshi.
During his address, the CEC described the observers as the Commission’s beacons. He said their presence would strengthen election management across 824 Assembly constituencies. Moreover, he stressed that they must ensure free, fair and transparent polls.
Central Observers asked to ensure voter access and neutrality
Election Commissioner Dr. S.S. Sandhu urged the officers to guide field officials and remain approachable. Therefore, he asked them to publicise their arrival and address voter grievances quickly to avoid perceptions of bias.
Similarly, Election Commissioner Dr. Vivek Joshi directed the observers to implement ECI instructions strictly. He also instructed them to ensure timely distribution of Voter Information Slips so voters face no inconvenience on polling day.
Meanwhile, senior Commission officials briefed the officers on electoral roll preparation, election conduct, IT platforms and media handling. The Commission also held an interactive session to clarify doubts.
In addition, the observers were asked to visit polling stations and verify Assured Minimum Facilities for voters. They were also told to remain accessible to political parties and candidates.
The Commission appoints observers under Article 324 of the Constitution and Section 20B of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. Through this mechanism, the Commission oversees elections effectively at the field level.
