EC deploys 1,111 observers for Assembly polls

• 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.