The Election Commission of India (ECI) will deploy 470 senior officers as Central Observers to oversee the upcoming general election to the Bihar Legislative Assembly and bye-elections in eight states, ensuring free, fair, and transparent polls, an official statement said on Sunday.
The observers, comprising 320 Indian Administrative Service (IAS), 60 Indian Police Service (IPS), and 90 officers from the Indian Revenue Service (IRS), Indian Railway Accounts Service (IRAS), and Indian Civil Accounts Service (ICAS), will monitor the electoral process in Bihar and bye-elections in constituencies across Jammu & Kashmir, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Telangana, Punjab, Mizoram, and Odisha.
Under the powers vested in it by Article 324 of the Constitution and Section 20B of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, the ECI appoints these observers to ensure impartiality, credibility, and fairness in the conduct of elections, the statement issued by the Press Information Bureau (PIB) said.
The observers, who operate under the ECI’s direct supervision, are tasked with identifying areas for improvement, making actionable recommendations, and reporting periodically to the Commission. They play a pivotal role in upholding the democratic process by ensuring transparency and boosting voter awareness and participation.
General and Police Observers, leveraging their seniority and administrative experience, will oversee the efficient management of the electoral process at the ground level, while Expenditure Observers will monitor candidates’ election-related expenses to ensure compliance with regulations.
The bye-elections will cover constituencies including Budgam and Nagrota in Jammu & Kashmir, Anta in Rajasthan, Ghatsila in Jharkhand, Jubilee Hills in Telangana, Tarn Taran in Punjab, Dampa in Mizoram, and Nuapada in Odisha.