Ahead of Bihar polls, Election Commission lands in Patna to review preparations

On Friday, the EC held a briefing session at the India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management (IIIDEM) in New Delhi for over 400 officers, who will be deployed as central observers for the Bihar elections and several by-elections across the country.

Addressing the gathering of a total of 425 officers, including 287 IAS officers, 58 IPS officers, and 80 others from IRS, IRAS, and ICAS services, CEC Gyanesh Kumar referred to the observers as “beacons of democracy”, pointing to their role in ensuring the integrity of the election process. The three commissioners highlighted that the observers serve as the Election Commission’s “eyes and ears” on the ground.

While the session focused on familiarising the observers with the latest election laws, rules, and guidelines, they were instructed to remain fully accessible to political parties, candidates, and voters, ensuring grievances are addressed promptly and elections are conducted impartially.

In addition to monitoring polling stations, the observers are tasked with overseeing the implementation of recent initiatives aimed at improving voter convenience. They are responsible for providing direct field inputs and ensuring strict adherence to the Election Commission’s guidelines while overseeing the overall management of the election process, including law and order and voter facilitation.

Central observers are appointed by the Election Commission under its plenary powers, as conferred by Article 324 of the Constitution and Section 20B of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, to ensure the conduct of free, fair, and transparent elections.