ECI Briefs Central Observers for Upcoming State Assembly and Bye-Elections

The Election Commission of India today organised a briefing for General, Police and Expenditure Observers to be deployed in Jharkhand, Maharashtra and constituencies where bye-elections were announced on October 15, 2024. 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, organised today at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. Election Commissioners Shri Gyanesh Kumar and Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu personally briefed the observers on their critical and important role in their allotted constituencies.

Reminding the observers of their crucial role, EC Shri Gyanesh Kumar in his address urged Observers to focus on various aspects for the smooth conduct of the elections including processes, infrastructure and perception. He emphasised that Observers, as the eyes and ears of the Commission, should familiarise themselves with the election processes and observe their transparent implementation in letter and spirit. 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 his address, EC Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu exhorted the Observers to be absolutely thorough in their role and use their vast experience to serve as a guide to the officials conducting the elections. Dr. 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 (AMF) at every Polling Station.

All Observers were briefed about the crucial insights so as to sensitise them regarding the Commission’s various new initiatives and directions. The following was emphasised during the briefing session:

1. Observers were strictly directed to remain accessible to all parties, candidates and voters for timely redressal of their grievances. Any complaints in this regard shall be viewed seriously by the Commission.
2. Observers details like mobile/ landline numbers/ email addresses/ places of stay etc. to be widely publicised on CEO/ District websites; through electronic/ print media and the same must be circulated among Candidates/ recognised political parties by DEOs/ ROs on the day of arrival of Observers in their respective Constituencies.
3. Observers should visit polling stations and ensure availability of Assured Minimum Facilities at all polling stations. For the convenience of voters, especially in urban areas, proper queue management to be ensured on polling day along with the facility of benches.
4. Observers to oversee proper demarcation of 200 mts area from the polling station premises for setting up of desks by the political parties on the poll day.
5. Observers were also directed to observe the meetings of Candidates/ political parties being convened by DEOs/ ROs and see that their grievances are properly listened to and acted upon.
6. As the eyes and ears of the Commission on the ground, the Observers were asked to exercise constant vigilance with utmost sincerity. As a guide, the Observers will have to understand each and every instruction and process clearly.
7. For all purposes, the Observers will provide direct inputs to the Commission from the field as an interface with the election machinery, the candidates, political parties, and electors.
8. Observers were directed to ensure that the Acts, rules, procedures, instructions, and guidelines related to elections are strictly and impartially complied with by all concerned.

During the day-long briefing sessions, the officers were given comprehensive and thorough inputs about the various aspects of election management by the Senior Deputy Election Commissioner, DECs and DGs of ECI. Detailed thematic presentations were made on Election planning, Observer’s roles and responsibilities, electoral roll issues, enforcement of Model Code of Conduct, election expenditure monitoring, legal provisions, EVM/VVPAT management, media engagement and the wide array of activities undertaken for voter facilitation under the Commission’s flagship SVEEP (Systematic Voter’s Education and Electoral Participation) programme.

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. The Observers were directed to go through updated and comprehensive manuals, handbooks, compendium of instructions, Do’s and Don’ts on all thematics concerning election management to facilitate their work. The same are available on the ECI website in ebook and searchable format for easy access to any instructions and guidelines.

Background

The Commission deploys Observers under Section 20B of the Representation of the People Act,1951 and plenary powers of the Constitution. The Observers are entrusted with the crucial responsibility of observance of the election process, the fairness, impartiality and credibility which forms the bedrock of our democratic polity. The Commission puts a great deal of faith in its General, Police and Expenditure Observers and the role of such Observers in ensuring free and fair Elections is of utmost importance for the Commission. These Central Observers not only help the Commission in fulfilling its constitutional mandate of conducting free, fair, transparent and inclusive elections but also to enhance the voter awareness and participation in election. These Observers are known for being the eyes and ears of the Commission.