New Delhi- The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Wednesday conducted a comprehensive briefing session for over 625 General, Police, and Expenditure Observers who will be deployed for the upcoming Assembly elections in Jharkhand and Maharashtra. The briefing, held at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi, also covered the upcoming bye-elections announced on October 15, 2024.

Election Commissioners Gyanesh Kumar and Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu addressed the observers, emphasizing their critical role in ensuring the smooth and fair conduct of the elections. The observers, drawn from senior ranks of the IAS, IPS, Indian Revenue Service, and other Central Services, will act as the "eyes and ears" of the Commission, monitoring various aspects of the election process.

Kumar stressed the importance of the observers' familiarity with election procedures, urging them to ensure transparent implementation. He highlighted key areas like infrastructure at polling stations, including Assured Minimum Facilities and effective queue management, to facilitate ease of voting.

Dr. Sandhu echoed these sentiments, calling upon the observers to utilize their experience to guide election officials and ensure accessibility, visibility, and responsiveness. He specifically directed observers to personally inspect Vulnerable Polling Stations and verify the availability of Assured Minimum Facilities at every polling station.

The ECI emphasized several key points during the briefing, including:

* Accessibility: Observers were instructed to be readily available to address grievances from parties, candidates, and voters, with any complaints being taken seriously by the Commission.

* Transparency: Observers' contact details will be publicly shared to ensure accessibility and transparency.

* Polling Station Infrastructure: Observers will oversee the availability of Assured Minimum Facilities and ensure proper queue management, particularly in urban areas.

* Demarcation: The 200-meter area around polling stations must be clearly demarcated for political party desks on polling day.

* Candidate Meetings: Observers will attend meetings convened by District Election Officers (DEOs) and Returning Officers (ROs) with candidates and political parties, ensuring that grievances are addressed.

* Vigilance: As the ECI's representatives on the ground, observers are expected to exercise constant vigilance and report any discrepancies or violations.

The briefing provided observers with comprehensive insights into various aspects of election management, including election planning, observer roles, electoral roll issues, enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct, election expenditure monitoring, legal provisions, EVM/VVPAT management, media engagement, and voter facilitation initiatives under the SVEEP program.

The ECI deploys observers under Section 20B of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, and its plenary constitutional powers. These observers play a crucial role in ensuring free, fair, and transparent elections, enhancing voter awareness and participation, and upholding the democratic process.