eci-to-deploy-470-central-observers-for-bihar-state-bypolls

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has decided to deploy Central Observers (General, Police and Expenditure) in Bihar and in bye-elections across certain states, the poll body said on Sunday.

 

The Election Commission appoints Central Observers under the plenary powers conferred on it by Article 324 of the Constitution and the powers granted by Section 20B of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, to oversee the conduct of elections in a constituency.

 

According to the statement, the Observers work under the superintendence, control, and discipline of the Commission from the time of their appointment until the election process is completed.

 

They are entrusted with the crucial responsibility of ensuring the fairness, impartiality, and credibility of elections, which form the foundation of the democratic polity. Observers act as the eyes and ears of the Commission and report periodically and as required.

 

The Commission further stated that Observers not only assist it in fulfilling its constitutional mandate of conducting free, fair, transparent, and inclusive elections, but also contribute towards enhancing voter awareness and participation.

 

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The primary objective of the Observers is to identify areas for improvement and to formulate concrete and actionable recommendations.

 

By virtue of their seniority and extensive administrative experience, General and Police Observers assist in the conduct of free and fair polls and oversee the efficient management of the electoral process at the field level.

 

Expenditure Observers are appointed to monitor the election expenses incurred by candidates.

 

The ECI has decided to deploy 470 officers—320 IAS, 60 IPS, and 90 from IRS/IRAS/ICAS and other services—serving in various states as Central Observers for the forthcoming general election to the Bihar Legislative Assembly and bye-elections in Jammu & Kashmir (AC- Budgam and Nagrota), Rajasthan (AC- Anta), Jharkhand (AC- Ghatsila), Telangana (AC- Jubilee Hills), Punjab (AC- Tarn Taran), Mizoram (AC- Dampa) and Odisha (AC- Nuapada).