Central Observers Prepared to Uphold Democracy in Bihar Elections

The Chief Election Commissioner, Gyanesh Kumar, lauded the vital role played by election observers, describing them as the 'beacons' of democracy. This statement came during a recent briefing organized by the Election Commission of India as part of preparations for the imminent Bihar Legislative Assembly elections and other regional bye-elections.

In total, 425 officers participated in the meeting held at IIIDEM, New Delhi, where Kumar alongside Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi, provided strategic guidance to attendees. The group consisted of 287 IAS officers, 58 IPS officers, and 80 officers from IRS, IRAS, ICAS, among others, all appointed as Central Observers for the elections.

The Observers were instructed to become well-acquainted with all electoral regulations and practices, remain accessible to political stakeholders, and to ensure the newly adopted initiatives aimed at voter ease are executed efficiently. Their appointment by the Election Commission is under the authority of Article 324 of the Constitution and Section 20B of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, emphasizing their role in guaranteeing fair elections.

(With inputs from agencies.)