ECI briefs 1,444 central observers ahead of assembly elections in five states

The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Thursday concluded a two-day briefing programme for 1,444 Central Observers who will be deployed for the forthcoming Assembly elections in Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal .

The briefing sessions were held at the India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management (IIIDEM) in three batches on February 5 and 6. The observers include 714 General Observers, 233 Police Observers and 497 Expenditure Observers, who will play a key role in overseeing the conduct of the polls at the ground level.

During the sessions, officers were briefed on various aspects of the electoral process, including preparation of electoral rolls, conduct of polling and counting, monitoring of election expenditure, law and order management, use of information technology, and media-related matters. The observers were also given a demonstration of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar , along with Election Commissioners Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Dr. Vivek Joshi , addressed the observers and interacted with them in a doubt-clearing session. The CEC reiterated that elections in India must be conducted strictly in accordance with the law and the instructions issued by the Commission, cautioning that there is no scope for deviation. He called upon the observers to ensure that the upcoming elections are free, fair and transparent, and informed them about new initiatives being introduced for the Assembly polls.

Election Commissioner Dr. S.S. Sandhu that Central Observers act as the representatives of the Election Commission in the field and carry significant responsibility. He urged them to maintain the highest standards of conduct and ensure a level playing field for all political parties and candidates .

Addressing the gathering, Election Commissioner Dr. Vivek Joshi emphasized the importance of prompt redressal of grievances and complaints , stating that it strengthens public confidence and trust among political stakeholders in the electoral process. He also referred to several initiatives implemented by the Commission over the past year, which were successfully tested during the Bihar Assembly elections .

The Election Commission appoints Central Observers under its constitutional powers vested by Article 324 of the Constitution and provisions of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 , to assist in the conduct of free, fair and transparent elections and to ensure effective management of the electoral process at the field level.