Election Commission Mobilizes Over 2100 Observers to Safeguard Fair Elections
Election Commission Mobilizes Over 2100 Observers to Safeguard Fair Elections
In anticipation of the upcoming General Elections to the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has orchestrated a detailed briefing for Observers slated for deployment across various States and Union Territories.
The session witnessed the participation of over 2150 senior officials from the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), Indian Revenue Service, among other Central Services. The briefing, conducted in a hybrid format at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, also saw some officials joining virtually from the offices of Chief Electoral Officers in their respective States or UTs. The deployment strategy includes around 900 General Observers, 450 Police Observers, and 800 Expenditure Observers for the imminent elections.
Rajiv Kumar, the Chief Election Commissioner, underscored the Observers' pivotal role in ensuring an equitable electoral arena, emphasizing the necessity for elections free from inducement, coercion, or intimidation. Observers are expected to exhibit professionalism, remain approachable to all stakeholders, and rigorously inspect polling stations to identify and mitigate any vulnerabilities or sensitive issues.
The Commission has updated all circulars and manuals, making them accessible on the ECI's website in an easily navigable format. These resources, drafted to outline the roles and functions of various officials, come equipped with a checklist of do's and don'ts.
Key directives for Observers include strict adherence to their designated parliamentary constituencies, extensive publicity of their contact information for accessibility, and constant availability via phone or email to address any concerns. The Commission mandates Observers to actively engage in the election process, from scrutinizing the deployment of forces and equipment to ensuring the equitable treatment of all candidates and political parties. Observers are also tasked with assessing polling station locations, engaging with local communities to identify potential vulnerabilities, and ensuring that central and state police forces are deployed impartially.
The briefing provided comprehensive insights into election management, covering topics like election planning, Observer roles, electoral roll issues, the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct, and the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trails (VVPATs). Additionally, Observers were introduced to the ECI's IT initiatives and mobile applications designed for voter facilitation and the efficient management of election processes.
The session also included a demonstration of the EVMs and VVPATs, highlighting the technical security features, administrative protocols, and procedural safeguards that ensure the integrity of the election process.
Observers were briefed on the recently updated comprehensive manuals, handbooks, and instructions to facilitate their duties effectively. These materials are available on the ECI's website in eBook and searchable formats.
Deployed under Section 20B of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, and the plenary powers of the Constitution, Observers bear the critical responsibility of overseeing the election process. Their role is vital to maintaining the fairness, impartiality, and credibility of the elections, thereby reinforcing the foundations of India's democratic system. The ECI values the contributions of General, Police, and Expenditure Observers in conducting free, fair, transparent, and inclusive elections, enhancing voter awareness, and encouraging participation.
