ECI briefs Central Observers ahead of Assembly polls in five States

New Delhi, Feb 5: The Election Commission of India (ECI) organised briefing meetings for General, Police and Expenditure Observers to be deployed as Central Observers for the forthcoming Assembly elections in Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal. A total of 1,444 officers, including 714 General Observers, 233 Police Observers and 497 Expenditure Observers are attending the briefings, being held in three batches on February 5 and 6 at the India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management (IIIDEM) in New Delhi.

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, along with Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi, addressed the observers, emphasising their role in ensuring free, fair and transparent elections across 824 constituencies.

The observers were instructed to remain accessible to voters, political parties and candidates, promptly address grievances, ensure strict and impartial implementation of ECI guidelines, and oversee voter facilitation measures, including timely distribution of Voter Information Slips and provision of Assured Minimum Facilities at polling stations. The Commission also held interactive sessions and briefed the observers on electoral roll preparation, election conduct, IT platforms, and media-related matters.