ECI briefs central observers to be deployed for Bihar assembly elections, bye-elections in certain states
(source : ANI) ( Photo Credit : ani)
India’s Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar praised election observers as the “beacons of democracy” during a key briefing on Friday. He highlighted their vital role in keeping elections fair and transparent ahead of the upcoming Bihar assembly elections.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) hosted the session at the India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management (IIIDEM) in New Delhi. Around 425 officers joined, including 287 from the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), 58 from the Indian Police Service (IPS), and 80 from services like IRS, IRAS, and ICAS.
Gyanesh Kumar, along with fellow Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi, shared insights with these central observers. They will head to Bihar for the legislative assembly polls and bye-elections in other states.
Kumar urged the observers to dive deep into election laws, rules, and guidelines. As the ECI’s eyes and ears on the ground, they need to deliver real-time field reports and make sure everyone follows the rules impartially. He also stressed staying open to complaints from political parties, candidates, and everyday voters.
On top of that, observers should check polling stations and roll out the Commission’s latest voter-friendly steps, like easier access and smoother processes.
The ECI appoints these central observers under Article 324 of the Constitution and Section 20B of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. Their job? Help ensure free and fair elections by overseeing smooth operations at the local level.
In related news, the ECI released Bihar’s final electoral roll on September 30 after a special intensive revision. The list now shows 7.42 crore registered voters, down from 7.89 crore back on June 24 this year.
From the draft roll of 7.24 crore on August 1, 2025, officials removed 65 lakh names overall. That included 3.66 lakh ineligible voters. But they added 21.53 lakh new eligible ones through Form 6 applications, bringing the total to 7.42 crore.
Bihar voters will head to the polls later this year, setting the stage for a major state election battle.
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