1,111 Observers Deployed for Polls
ECI steps up oversight across 5 states, UT and bypolls to ensure free and fair elections
- ECI deploys 1,111 observers for Assembly polls and by-elections
- Covering Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Puducherry
- Observers to ensure violence-free and inducement-free voting
- Officials to be stationed in constituencies by March 18
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 17th March: The Election Commission of India has deployed 1,111 Central Observers for the ongoing Legislative Assembly elections in five states and one Union Territory, along with by-elections in six states, in a move aimed at strengthening election monitoring.
The deployment covers Assembly polls in Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Puducherry. The Commission said the observers will act as its “eyes and ears” on the ground to ensure that elections are conducted in a free, fair, and transparent manner.
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar had earlier stressed that the elections must be violence-free and inducement-free, enabling every voter to exercise their franchise without fear or favour.
According to official data, a total of 832 Assembly constituencies are going to polls, with 557 General Observers, 188 Police Observers, and 366 Expenditure Observers deployed across states. West Bengal accounts for the highest number of constituencies at 294, followed by Tamil Nadu (234), Kerala (140), Assam (126), and Puducherry (30). Eight constituencies are also witnessing by-elections.
The Commission has directed all observers to reach their assigned constituencies by March 18. Upon arrival, they will make their contact details public and set daily timings to meet candidates, political parties, and citizens to address election-related grievances.
The observers have been appointed under Article 324 of the Constitution and provisions of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. They are tasked with overseeing the conduct of polls at the ground level and ensuring adherence to electoral norms.
The large-scale deployment underscores the Commission’s focus on maintaining strict vigilance during the election process amid heightened political activity across states.
