Why EC deploys observers for Assembly polls?
They oversee the efficient and effective management of the electoral process at the field level.
They oversee the efficient and effective management of the electoral process at the field level.
They oversee the efficient and effective management of the electoral process at the field level.
• The Election Commission (EC) has deployed 1,111 observers for the general election to the Legislative Assemblies of Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal and the by-elections in six states.
What is the role of observers?
• The EC appoints central observers under the powers conferred on it by Article 324 of the Constitution and Section 20B of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.
• The observers assist the EC in the conduct of free and fair polls.
• The observers will function as the eyes and ears of the EC.
• They oversee the efficient and effective management of the electoral process at the field level.
• The EC has directed that the observers be stationed in their respective Assembly Constituencies by March 18.
• The observers, upon arrival will make public their contact details and will specify a time fixed everyday for meeting the candidates, political parties or their representatives or any member of the public to hear their election-related grievances.
Special observer for Assam
• The EC appointed former bureaucrat Manjeet Singh as the special observer for poll-bound Assam with a mandate to update the poll panel on election preparedness in the state.
• As the special observer, retired IAS officer Singh will visit Assam regularly to observe the election preparedness, conduct of the Assembly elections, and give inputs to the poll body wherever necessary.
• The special observer will further bolster the conduct of elections in a free, peaceful, impartial and transparent manner.