Hyderabad/New Delhi, Mar 11 (UNI) The Election Commission of India (ECI) conducted a comprehensive briefing meeting at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi, on Monday for all observers assigned to oversee the upcoming General Elections to the House of People in 2024.
The meeting held virtually at the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Telangana, included key personnel such as S Vikas Raj, CEO, Telangana, and officers from the CEO’s office, along with senior IAS, IPS, and IRS officers designated as observers, a statement here said.
During the briefing, the Commission emphasised the crucial role of observers, including General, Police, and expenditure observers, in ensuring the elections are conducted freely, fairly, transparently, accountably, smoothly, peacefully, inclusively, and without inducements.
Observers were apprised of their roles, duties, and responsibilities in accordance with the powers conferred by the Representation of People Act, 1951. It was reiterated that observers would operate under the superintendence, control, and discipline of the Commission from the time of their appointment until the conclusion of the election process.
The Commission highlighted that observers serve as the eyes and ears of the Commission, providing direct input on the election process, candidates, political parties, and electors. They are expected to ensure strict and impartial compliance with acts, rules, procedures, instructions, and guidance related to elections by all stakeholders.
Observers were instructed to stay updated with the latest instructions from the Election Commission of India (ECI), available on the web portal. They were encouraged to check the portal regularly and submit their reports to the Commission by uploading them to the Observers portal.
The briefing concluded with a message from Rajiv Kumar, Chief Election Commissioner, emphasising the pivotal role of observers in the largest-ever Lok Sabha elections, with over 96 crore voters.
The Chief Election Commissioner urged observers to remain vigilant and resolve candidate complaints and issues promptly within the framework of election laws, ECI instructions, and established practices.
