New Delhi: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has intensified its oversight mechanisms ahead of the upcoming General Election to the Legislative Assembly of Bihar and bye-elections in eight Assembly Constituencies (ACs), reaffirming its commitment to conducting free, fair, and transparent polls.
Under the plenary powers conferred by Article 324 of the Constitution and Section 20B of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, the Commission has appointed Central Observers to assist in the smooth and impartial conduct of elections. These Observers play a critical role in maintaining a level playing field for all political parties and candidates.
For Phase 1 of the Bihar Assembly elections, the Commission has deployed 121 General Observers and 18 Police Observers. Phase 2 will see the deployment of 122 General Observers and 20 Police Observers. Additionally, 8 General Observers and 8 Police Observers have been assigned to oversee the bye-elections in the eight ACs.
All Observers have completed their initial round of visits to their respective constituencies and are now stationed on-site to monitor the election process closely. Their responsibilities include ensuring adherence to electoral norms, maintaining transparency, and facilitating grievance redressal for political parties, candidates, and voters.
The Commission has instructed Observers to remain fully accessible and responsive throughout the election period. They are expected to visit polling stations regularly and oversee the implementation of recent voter-centric initiatives introduced by the ECI, aimed at enhancing convenience and participation.
These measures are part of the Commission’s broader strategy to uphold democratic integrity and public trust in the electoral process. By deploying a robust observer network, the ECI seeks to prevent malpractice, ensure compliance, and safeguard the rights of every voter.
The deployment of Observers reflects the Commission’s proactive stance in reinforcing electoral accountability and transparency, especially in high-stakes elections such as those in Bihar. Their presence is expected to bolster confidence among stakeholders and contribute to the smooth execution of the democratic exercise.
