ECI briefs Central Observers to be deployed for State assembly elections, bye-elections

The Election Commission yesterday organised a briefing for General, Police and Expenditure Observers to be deployed in Jharkhand, Maharashtra and the constituencies where bye-elections were announced. Over 625 senior officers drawn from IAS, IPS as well as officers from Indian Revenue Service and few other Central Services attended the briefing meeting in New Delhi. 

Reminding the observers of their crucial role, Election Commissioner, Gyanesh Kumar urged Observers to focus on various aspects for the smooth conduct of the elections including processes, infrastructure and perception.  He called upon the Observers to oversee and review the infrastructure arrangements at polling stations including Assured Minimum Facilities and queue management. He also cautioned the Observers about the menace



of false narratives attempting to vitiate the election process for a swift response from district teams to counter any misinformation. 

In the briefing, Election Commissioner Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu stated that visibility, accessibility and responsiveness are critical for the Observers to fulfil their role successfully. He also advised the Observers to personally visit Vulnerable Polling Stations for inspection. He directed the Observers to review the Assured Minimum Facilities at every Polling Stations.

The Observers were also acquainted with the various IT initiatives and mobile applications of the Commission for voter facilitation as well as effective and efficient management of election processes on the field.