ECI Gears Up for Assembly Polls, Briefs 1,400+ Central Observers to Ensure Free and Fair Elections

The Election Commission of India briefed over 1,400 Central Observers for upcoming Assembly elections, emphasizing free, fair and transparent polls, voter convenience, grievance redressal, and strict adherence to election laws across five poll-bound states

Post Published By: Karan Sharma

Updated : 5 February 2026, 4:05 PM IST

ECI Briefs Central Observers Ahead of Key Assembly Elections

New Delhi: The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Wednesday conducted briefing meetings for Central Observers who will be deployed for the forthcoming Assembly Elections in Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal.

Over 1,400 Officers Briefed

A total of 1,444 officers—including 714 General Observers, 233 Police Observers and 497 Expenditure Observers—have been called for the briefing sessions. These meetings are being held in three batches over February 5 and 6, 2026, at the India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management (IIIDEM), New Delhi.

Election Commission Leadership Addresses Observers

Chief Election Commissioner Shri Gyanesh Kumar, along with Election Commissioners Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Dr. Vivek Joshi, addressed the Observers during the sessions. CEC Gyanesh Kumar described the Observers as the “beacons of the ECI” and emphasized their role in ensuring free, fair and transparent elections across 824 constituencies.

Emphasis on Accessibility and Neutrality

Election Commissioner Dr. S.S. Sandhu urged Observers to act as friends, philosophers and guides for field officials. He stressed the importance of accessibility, swift grievance redressal, and avoiding even the perception of bias. Election Commissioner Dr. Vivek Joshi highlighted strict adherence to ECI instructions and underlined timely distribution of Voter Information Slips (VIS) to prevent inconvenience to voters.

Focus on Technology

Observers were also briefed on electoral laws, IT applications, media management, and preparation of electoral rolls. They were instructed to visit polling stations and ensure implementation of voter-centric initiatives, including Assured Minimum Facilities (AMFs).

Role Under Constitutional Powers

The ECI appoints Central Observers under Article 324 of the Constitution and Section 20B of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. As the Commission’s eyes and ears, they oversee the electoral process at the field level to ensure strict, impartial compliance with election laws.