1. The Election Commission of India deploys Central Observers under the plenary powers conferred on it by Article 324 of the Constitution and the powers conferred on it by Section 20B of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 to watch the conduct of elections in a constituency.

 

2. The Observers work under the superintendence, control, and discipline of the Commission for the period from their appointment until the process of election is completed.

 

3. The Observers are entrusted with the crucial and solemn responsibility to ensure the fairness, impartiality and credibility of elections, which ultimately forms the bedrock of our democratic polity. They act as eyes and ears of the Commission and keep reporting to the Commission periodically and on need basis.

 

4. Observers not only help the Commission in fulfilling its constitutional mandate of conducting free, fair, transparent and inclusive elections but also contribute towards enhancing voter awareness and participation in elections.

 

5. The main objective of the Observers is to identify areas for improvements and to formulate concrete and operative recommendations.

 

6. By dint of their seniority and long experience in the administrative services, General and Police Observers assist the Commission in the conduct of free and fair polls. They also oversee the efficient and effective management of the electoral process at the field level.

 

7. Expenditure Observers are appointed to observe the election expenses incurred by the Candidates.

 

8. The Election Commission of India has decided to deploy 470 Officers (320 IAS, 60 from IPS and 90 from IRS/IRAS/ICAS etc.) serving in various States as Central Observers (General, Police and Expenditure) for the forthcoming general election to the legislative assembly of Bihar and bye-elections in Jammu & Kashmir (AC- Budgam & Nagrota), Rajasthan (AC- Anta), Jharkhand (AC-Ghatsila), Telangana (AC – Jubilee Hills), Punjab (AC – Tarn Taran), Mizoram (AC – Dampa) and Odisha (AC – Nuapada).

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PK/GDH/RP

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