Ensure free, fair elections: CEC Rajiv Kumar briefs observers

Briefing officers who will be deployed as general, police and expenditure observers for the Lok Sabha elections, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar on Monday emphasised the importance of maintaining a level-playing field.

The 2,150 officers, who belong to the IAS, IPS, IRS and other Central services, will be deployed as general observers (900), police observers (450), and expenditure observers (800), an Election Commission statement said.

The CEC reminded the observers of “their crucial role” and “directed them to ensure a level-playing field for free, fair, and intimidation-free elections,” the statement said. The observers were asked to confine themselves to their constituency.