GUWAHATI: The Election Commission of India (ECI) organised a briefing on March 11 for Observers who will be deployed during the forthcoming General Elections to the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies.
Over 2150 senior officers, including IAS, IPS officers, and officers from various Central Services, attended the briefing meeting held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. Some officials joined virtually from the office of Chief Electoral Officers in their respective States/UTs.
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The briefing session aimed to sensitise Observers about the Commission's various new initiatives and directions, emphasising their crucial role in ensuring free, fair, and transparent elections. Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar directed the Observers to maintain a level playing field, devoid of intimidation and inducement, throughout the electoral process.
During the briefing, Observers were given comprehensive guidance on their roles and responsibilities, electoral roll issues, enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct, legal provisions, and EVM/VVPAT management. They were instructed to remain confined within the boundaries of the Parliamentary Constituency allotted to them, ensuring GPS tracking in their vehicles.
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The Observers were directed to be available at all times via phone and email, attend to calls from candidates, political parties, and the general public, and promptly respond to any complaints. They were also instructed to visit polling stations, vulnerable areas, and interact with people to identify and address any vulnerabilities or criticalities.
Furthermore, Observers were briefed about the utilisation of central and state police forces, ensuring their neutrality, and the judicious deployment of forces to maintain a free and fair electoral environment. They were also provided with a functional demonstration of EVMs and VVPATs, along with detailed information about technical security features and procedural safeguards.
The deployment of Observers falls under Section 20B of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.