New Delhi: The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Sunday announced the deployment of 470 officers as central observers for the upcoming assembly elections in Bihar as well as by-elections in several states, including Jharkhand and Mizoram.
“In a release, the ECI said, “”The Election Commission of India has decided to deploy 470 officers (320 IAS, 60 IPS and 90 IRS/IRAS/ICAS etc) working in various states as Central Observers (General, Police and Expenditure) for the upcoming general elections to the Bihar Legislative Assembly and the by-elections to Jammu and Kashmir (Bargam and Nagrota Assembly), Rajasthan (Antara Assembly) (Antara Assembly), Jharkhand (Ghatshila Assembly) (Jubilee Hills Assembly), Punjab (Tarn Taran Assembly), Mizoram (Dampa Assembly) and Odisha (Nuapara Assembly).”
The Election Commission said it deploys central observers to monitor the conduct of elections in a constituency under the full powers conferred by Article 324 of the Constitution and the powers conferred by Section 20B of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.
‘Responsibility to ensure fairness and credibility’
The commission said that the supervisors function under the superintending, control and discipline of the commission from their appointment until the completion of the election process. “The Election Commission said, “”Supervers have been entrusted with the critical and serious responsibility of ensuring fairness and credibility of elections, which is the foundation of our democratic politics.” They act as the eyes and ears of the Commission and report to the Commission from time to time and as required.
Observers not only help the Commission fulfill its constitutional obligation to conduct free, fair, transparent and inclusive elections, but also contribute to increasing voter awareness and participation in elections. The main objective of the observers is to identify areas for improvement and prepare sound and effective recommendations.
‘Observers help the commission’
“Based on their seniority and long experience in administrative services, general and police observers assist the Commission in conducting free and fair elections,”” the Election Commission said.” They also oversee the efficient and effective management of the election process at the regional level.
It states that expenditure supervisors are appointed to monitor election expenses incurred by candidates. It is noteworthy that a delegation of the Election Commission will be on a two-day visit to the electoral state of Bihar from October 4.
During the visit, a delegation led by Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, along with two Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi, will review the preparations for the upcoming assembly elections in Bihar. The term of the Bihar Assembly will end on November 22.
