ECI Briefs Central Observers Ahead of Key Assembly Polls
1,444 observers told to act as ECI’s “beacons” to ensure free, fair and transparent elections
- ECI briefs 1,444 Central Observers for Assembly elections in five states
- Observers to be deployed across 824 constituencies in Assam, Kerala, TN, WB, Puducherry
- CEC urges strict neutrality, accessibility and grievance redressal
- Focus on voter facilities, IT platforms and timely distribution of voter slips
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 5th Feb: The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Wednesday organised briefing meetings for General, Police and Expenditure Observers to be deployed as Central Observers for the forthcoming Assembly elections in Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal.
A total of 1,444 officers — including 714 General Observers, 233 Police Observers and 497 Expenditure Observers — have been called for the briefings, which are being conducted in three batches over February 5 and 6, 2026, at the India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management (IIIDEM), New Delhi.
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, along with Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi, addressed and briefed the observers.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Election Commissioner said the observers had been selected to serve as the “beacons” of the ECI and would play a crucial role in ensuring free, fair and transparent elections. He noted that their presence would energise the entire election machinery across 824 constituencies going to polls.
Election Commissioner Dr. Sandhu said observers should act as a “friend, philosopher and guide” to election officials in the field. He emphasised that their arrival should be well publicised and that they must remain accessible to voters, candidates and political parties, ensuring swift redressal of grievances to avoid even perceptions of bias.
Election Commissioner Dr. Joshi underlined the need to implement ECI instructions in letter and spirit, upholding impartiality and democratic values. He also directed that Voter Information Slips be distributed well in advance to avoid inconvenience to voters on polling day.
During the sessions, senior ECI officials briefed observers on electoral roll preparation, conduct of elections, IT applications, media-related matters and recent voter-centric initiatives. Observers were instructed to visit polling stations, ensure Assured Minimum Facilities for voters, and remain fully accessible to address complaints in a timely manner.
The Election Commission appoints Central Observers under its plenary powers conferred by Article 324 of the Constitution and Section 20B of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, to assist in the conduct of free, fair and impartial elections and to oversee the electoral process at the field level.
