What Preparations is ECI Making for Bihar Elections?
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Synopsis
In a crucial move for the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections, the ECI has briefed over 400 Central Observers. This marks a significant step towards ensuring transparent and fair electoral processes, emphasizing the importance of impartiality and compliance with election laws.
Key Takeaways
- Understanding of election laws is vital for Observers.
- Central Observers serve as the Commission's eyes and ears.
- They must ensure neutrality and compliance with guidelines.
- Field visits to polling stations are essential to assess readiness.
- Their mandate is rooted in constitutional provisions.
New Delhi, Oct 3 (NationPress) The Election Commission of India (ECI) held an extensive briefing on Friday for the General, Police, and Expenditure Observers who are set to serve as Central Observers in the forthcoming Bihar Assembly elections and bye-elections across various states.
A total of 425 senior officials participated in the session, including 287 from the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), 58 from the Indian Police Service (IPS), and 80 from the Indian Revenue Service (IRS), Indian Railway Accounts Service (IRAS), Indian Civil Accounts Service (ICAS), and other associated services. This session took place at the India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management (IIIDEM) in New Delhi.
Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, along with Election Commissioners Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Dr. Vivek Joshi, led the meeting and addressed the Observers.
Referring to the Central Observers as the “beacons of democracy,” CEC Kumar emphasized their vital role as the Commission’s “eyes and ears” in the field.
He insisted that they maintain an unbiased stance, ensure strict adherence to election laws and guidelines, and deliver independent and real-time feedback to the Commission.
The Observers were expressly directed to become well-versed in election laws, rules, and procedures. They were reminded that they must be accessible to political parties, candidates, and voters for addressing grievances, and they must vigilantly monitor the campaign, voting, and counting processes.
They were instructed to conduct field visits to polling stations to evaluate preparedness and to ensure the successful implementation of voter-centric initiatives recently launched by the Commission.
The CEC also reminded them that their authority derives from Article 324 of the Constitution and Section 20B of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, which empowers the election panel to appoint Central Observers to ensure the conduct of free, fair, and transparent elections.
CEC Gyanesh Kumar is scheduled to visit Bihar on Saturday to confer with the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) and other senior officials to assess readiness prior to the official announcement of the Assembly poll schedule.
The term of the 243-member Bihar Assembly concludes on November 22, and elections in the state are anticipated to occur in multiple phases following the Chhath festival.
Point of View
The Election Commission's proactive approach is commendable. The emphasis on neutrality and adherence to laws is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the electoral process. As we approach the Bihar elections, ensuring transparency and responsiveness to grievances will be vital in reinforcing public trust in our democratic system.
NationPress
03/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the role of Central Observers?
Central Observers are responsible for ensuring free, fair, and transparent elections by monitoring the electoral process and providing real-time feedback to the Election Commission.
Who oversees the Central Observers?
The Central Observers are overseen by the Chief Election Commissioner and the Election Commissioners.
