Bhubaneswar, Odisha : The Election Commission of India has decided to appoint central observers (general, police, and expenditure) for the upcoming by-elections in Bihar and several other states.
Under Article 324 of the Constitution and Section 20K of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, the Election Commission has the full authority to assign central observers to supervise election management in designated constituencies.
These observers will work under the supervision, control, and guidance of the Election Commission until the completion of the election process. They play a crucial role in ensuring the impartiality and credibility of the elections, effectively acting as the eyes and ears of the Commission. Observers report regularly to the Commission as per its instructions.
Central observers not only help implement constitutional directives for free, fair, clean, and inclusive elections but also work to raise voter awareness and promote participation across the constituencies. Their responsibilities include identifying sensitive areas, taking concrete measures, and submitting recommendations for smooth conduct.
Due to their seniority and extensive administrative experience, general and police observers assist the Election Commission impartially at all stages of election management and supervise the process at the field level to ensure efficiency. Expenditure observers are specifically appointed to monitor election-related spending by candidates.
For the upcoming by-elections, the Election Commission of India has appointed 470 officers as central observers across various states, including Bihar, Jammu & Kashmir (AC-Budgam, AC-Nagrota), Rajasthan (AC-Anta), Jharkhand (AC-Ghatsila), Telangana (AC-Jubilee Hills), Punjab (AC-Taran Taran), Mizoram (AC-Dampa), and Odisha (AC-Nuapada). Among these officers, 320 are IAS, 60 IPS, and 90 IRS/IAES/ICAS officers.
These appointments aim to ensure transparent, impartial, and smooth election management, safeguard democratic processes, and maintain the trust of voters across all constituencies.
