Election Commission concludes briefing for the observers
NATIONAL: The Election Commission of India (ECI) Friday concluded briefing meetings for Central Observers ahead of the General Elections for the Legislative Assemblies of Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal held. A total of 1,444 officers participated, including 714 General Observers, 233 Police Observers and 497 Expenditure Observers.
The meetings focused on the preparation of Electoral Rolls, Conduct of Elections, Expenditure, and Information Technology and Media-related matters with a demonstration of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) provided.
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, alongside Election Commissioners Dr Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Dr Vivek Joshi, addressed the third batch of Central Observers, emphasising the adherence to legal protocols and ECI instructions for fair electoral conduct. CEC Kumar mentioned new initiatives being implemented for the upcoming Assembly elections and urged Observers to ensure transparency in the electoral process.
Election Commissioner Dr SS Sandhu highlighted the significant responsibility held by Central Observers as representatives of the ECI, stressing the importance of maintaining high standards of conduct. He called for a level playing field for all parties involved. Meanwhile, Dr Vivek Joshi encouraged Observers to address complaints and grievances efficiently to foster public trust in the electoral process, referencing the successful implementation of innovations during the Bihar Assembly Elections.
Central Observers are appointed by the Commission under Article 324 of the Constitution and Section 20B of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 to ensure the effective management and fairness of elections at the field level.