In a move to ensure the integrity and transparency of upcoming elections, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced the deployment of 470 Central Observers across Bihar and several other states.
These observers, drawn from elite civil services, will oversee the general election to the Bihar Legislative Assembly and bye-elections in constituencies spanning Jammu & Kashmir, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Telangana, Punjab, Mizoram, and Odisha.
Under the authority of Article 324 of the Constitution and Section 20B of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, the ECI appoints these observers to monitor the electoral process closely. Comprising 320 Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers, 60 Indian Police Service (IPS) officers, and 90 from services like the Indian Revenue Service (IRS), Indian Railway Accounts Service (IRAS), and Indian Civil Accounts Service (ICAS), the team will serve as the Commission’s vigilant “eyes and ears” from their deployment until the elections conclude.
General and Police Observers, leveraging their seniority and administrative expertise, will focus on maintaining free and fair polls while managing field-level operations efficiently. Their role includes identifying potential improvements and providing actionable recommendations to enhance the electoral framework. Meanwhile, Expenditure Observers will scrutinize candidates’ election expenses to prevent financial irregularities and ensure compliance with spending limits.
This deployment underscores the ECI’s commitment to upholding democratic principles, fostering voter awareness, and boosting participation. Observers operate under the Commission’s direct superintendence, reporting periodically or as needed to address any issues that could compromise the polls’ credibility.
The bye-elections targeted include Assembly Constituencies in Jammu & Kashmir (Budgam and Nagrota), Rajasthan (Anta), Jharkhand (Ghatsila), Telangana (Jubilee Hills), Punjab (Tarn Taran), Mizoram (Dampa), and Odisha (Nuapada). With elections approaching, this step is expected to reinforce public trust in the democratic process amid India’s diverse and complex electoral landscape.
The ECI emphasized that these observers play a pivotal role in not just enforcing rules but also in contributing to a more inclusive and transparent voting environment, ultimately strengthening the foundation of India’s democracy.
