Election Observers Are Beacons of Democracy: CEC Gyanesh

• ECI briefs 425 Central Observers ahead of Bihar elections
• CEC Gyanesh Kumar calls observers beacons of democracy
• Observers told to ensure impartial and strict compliance of laws
• Officers asked to remain accessible to voters and parties
• Article 324 empowers ECI to appoint Central Observers

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 3rd Oct: The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Friday held a briefing session for General, Police, and Expenditure Observers who will be deployed as Central Observers for the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections and bye-elections in select states.

A total of 425 officers, including 287 IAS, 58 IPS, and 80 from IRS, IRAS, ICAS and other services, attended the session at IIIDEM, New Delhi. Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Shri Gyanesh Kumar, along with Election Commissioners Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Dr. Vivek Joshi, addressed the gathering.

CEC Gyanesh Kumar described the observers as “beacons of democracy” and emphasised their role as the Commission’s eyes and ears in the field. He urged them to familiarise themselves with election laws, rules, and guidelines, and to ensure their impartial and strict compliance.

The Commission directed observers to remain accessible to political parties, candidates, and voters for grievance redressal. They were also tasked with visiting polling stations and overseeing the implementation of voter-friendly initiatives introduced by the Commission.

The appointment of Central Observers is made under Article 324 of the Constitution and Section 20B of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. They play a critical role in assisting the Commission to maintain the integrity of elections and ensuring transparent electoral processes at the ground level.