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Election Commission Briefs Observers for Fair Polls in 5 States/UTs

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar briefed central observers to ensure free and fair Assembly elections in five states and Union Territories. Election Commissioners S.S. Sandhu and Vivek Joshi emphasized the observers' role as accessible guides for field officials and voters. The observers were instructed on implementing ECI directives, using IT platforms, and ensuring voter convenience through timely distribution of information slips. The briefing, attended by General, Police, and Expenditure Observers, aims to energize the election machinery across 824 constituencies.

Key Points: ECI Briefs Observers for Assembly Polls in 5 States/UTs

  • Briefing for 1,444 observers
  • Focus on free & fair polls in 824 constituencies
  • Use of IT platforms for transparency
  • Observers to act as guides for field officials
3 min read

CEC Gyanesh Kumar briefs central observers to ensure transparent polls in 5 states/UTs

CEC Gyanesh Kumar briefs central observers to ensure transparent elections in Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal.

"Their arrival must be well publicised, and they should remain accessible, ensuring grievances of the electors are swiftly redressed - Election Commissioner S.S. Sandhu"

New Delhi, Feb 5

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, on Thursday, briefed Central Observers on using IT platforms to ensure free, fair and transparent upcoming Assembly elections in five states and Union Territories.

Addressing observers for Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal Assembly elections, the CEC said they have been selected to serve as the beacons of the Election Commission of India (ECI).

He added that the Central Observers should ensure free, fair and transparent elections and said that their presence will energise the entire election machinery across 824 Assembly constituencies where elections are going to be held.

As many as 1,444 General, Police and Expenditure Observers attend the briefing which will continue on the second day on Friday at the India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management in Delhi, an official statement said.

Election Commissioner S.S. Sandhu said the observers should serve as a friend, philosopher, and guide to election officials on the field.

"Their arrival must be well publicised, and they should remain accessible, ensuring grievances of the electors are swiftly redressed to avoid even perceptions of favouritism," Sandhu added.

Election Commissioner Vivek Joshi said that the observers must ensure ECI instructions are implemented in letter and spirit, upholding impartiality and democratic values.

He also instructed that Voter Information Slips (VIS) be distributed well in time to the voters so that they are not inconvenienced on poll day.

The observers were instructed to remain fully accessible to political parties, candidates, and the grievances of voters are redressed in a timely manner.

"The observers were also instructed to visit polling stations and ensure the implementation of the recent initiatives taken by the ECI for convenience of the voters, especially ensuring the provision of Assured Minimum Facilities," the statement said.

The Election Commissioners also interacted with the observers in a doubt-clearing session.

Senior officials of the ECI also briefed the observers on various aspects of preparation of electoral rolls and the conduct of elections in the five poll-bound states/UTs.

The observers were also briefed on the IT applications and platforms, and media-related matters during the sessions.

The ECI appoints Central Observers under the plenary powers conferred on it by Article 324 of the Constitution and Section 20B of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, to assist the Commission in the conduct of free and fair polls.

They also oversee the efficient and effective management of the electoral process at the field level.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Ensuring timely distribution of Voter Information Slips is crucial. Last election, my elderly parents in Tamil Nadu didn't get theirs and faced confusion at the booth. Glad this is being emphasized.
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Priya S
Appointing over 1400 observers is a massive exercise. Hope their presence truly energises the machinery as CEC says. But the real test is on the ground - will they be able to check booth capturing or intimidation in sensitive areas? Actions matter more than briefings.
V
Vikram M
Good to see focus on Assured Minimum Facilities at polling stations. In Assam's rural areas, basic amenities like shade, water, and ramps for disabled voters are often missing. Hope observers ensure this is implemented. Jai Hind!
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Rohit P
While the intent is good, I have a respectful criticism. Observers are often senior bureaucrats who may not wish to rock the boat. Their "accessibility" needs to be genuine, not just a formality. The EC must back them if they take strict action against powerful local figures.
K
Kavya N
The briefing at the India International Institute of Democracy sounds comprehensive. Using IT is the way forward to reduce human error and bias. Hope the media briefing part includes curbing fake news during elections, which is a big problem now.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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