The Election Commission of India (ECI) recently concluded a crucial briefing session for its General, Police, and Expenditure Observers. These dedicated officials are set to be deployed as Central Observers for the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections, along with various byelections across other states, ensuring smooth and transparent electoral proceedings.
The comprehensive briefing saw the participation of a large contingent of public servants: 287 Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officials, 58 Indian Police Service (IPS) officers, and 80 officers from diverse other services, all preparing for their vital roles.
During the session, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar addressed the attendees, passionately referring to the Observers as the very “beacons of democracy.” He stressed their responsibility to act as the “eyes and ears” of the Commission, urging them to deeply familiarise themselves with all relevant election laws, rules, and guidelines. Their primary objective, he reiterated, is to provide direct, on-the-ground insights and ensure strict, unbiased adherence to electoral regulations. Furthermore, the Observers were specifically instructed to maintain complete accessibility to political parties, candidates, and, most importantly, the voters, to promptly address any concerns or grievances.
A key directive for the Observers was to conduct thorough visits to all polling stations. This is to guarantee the effective implementation of the ECI’s latest initiatives, all designed to enhance voter convenience and streamline the polling experience.
The appointment of these Central Observers is rooted in the extensive powers vested in the Commission by Article 324 of the Constitution and Section 20B of the Representation of the People Act. Their fundamental purpose is to aid in facilitating elections that are not only free and fair but also managed with utmost efficiency and effectiveness at every level, from planning to execution.