New Delhi, Feb 5 (UNI) Ahead of the forthcoming Assembly elections in Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Thursday began a two-day briefing of Central Observers, underscoring their critical role in ensuring free, fair and transparent polls across 824 constituencies, the poll panel said in a press note.
A total of 1,444 officers—including 714 General Observers, 233 Police Observers and 497 Expenditure Observers—have been called for the briefing sessions, being held in three batches on February 5 and 6 at the India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management (IIIDEM), New Delhi.
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, along with Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi, addressed the observers and outlined the Commission’s expectations from them during the electoral process.
Describing the observers as the “beacons of the Election Commission of India”, CEC Gyanesh Kumar said their presence in the field would energise the entire election machinery. “You have been selected to ensure that elections are conducted in a free, fair and transparent manner. Your role is pivotal in maintaining the integrity of the democratic process,” he said.
Election Commissioner Sukhbir Singh Sandhu stressed the need for observers to be accessible and proactive on the ground. “Observers should act as a friend, philosopher and guide to election officials in the field. Their arrival must be well publicised, and they must remain approachable so that grievances of electors are swiftly redressed, avoiding even a perception of favouritism,” he said.
Emphasising strict adherence to the Commission’s directions, Election Commissioner Vivek Joshi said observers must ensure that ECI instructions are implemented “in letter and spirit,” while upholding impartiality and democratic values. He also highlighted the importance of timely distribution of Voter Information Slips (VIS) so that voters are not inconvenienced on polling day.
The Commission also held interactive doubt-clearing sessions with the observers. Senior officials briefed them on key aspects of electoral roll preparation, conduct of elections in the five poll-bound States and union Territory, use of IT applications and platforms, and handling of media-related matters during elections.
Reiterating that Central Observers act as the “eyes and ears” of the Commission, the ECI asked them to familiarise themselves thoroughly with election laws, rules and guidelines, and to provide direct feedback to ensure their strict and impartial compliance.
Observers were instructed to remain fully accessible to political parties, candidates and voters, ensure timely redressal of grievances, visit polling stations, and oversee the implementation of recent voter-centric initiatives, including the provision of Assured Minimum Facilities (AMFs) at polling stations.
The Election Commission appoints Central Observers under its plenary powers conferred by Article 324 of the Constitution and Section 20B of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. These observers assist the Commission in conducting free and fair polls and oversee the efficient and effective management of the electoral process at the field level.
