1. Election Commission of India’s (ECI) briefing meetings for Central Observers for the forthcoming General Elections to the Legislative Assemblies of Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal concluded at IIIDEM today.
2. Briefing meetings were held in three batches over two days, i.e., February 5 and 6, 2026. 1,444 Officers, including 714 General Observers, 233 Police Observers and 497 Expenditure Observers attended the meetings.
3. The Observers were briefed on various aspects of preparation of Electoral Rolls, Conduct of Elections, and Expenditure, Information Technology and Media- related matters. They were also given a demonstration of the EVMs.
4. Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), Shri Gyanesh Kumar along with Election Commissioners, Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Dr. Vivek Joshi briefed the third batch of Central Observers, on the second and final day of the briefing meetings today. The Commission also interacted with the Observers in a doubt-clearing session.
5. In his address, CEC Shri Gyanesh Kumar reiterated that elections in India are held as per law and the instructions issued by the Commission from time to time. He cautioned that there is no scope of deviation and impressed upon the Observers to follow the law and ECI instructions. CEC also informed that in addition to the new initiatives already taken by the Commission in the past one year, certain new initiatives are being taken for the forthcoming Assembly elections. He called upon the Observers to ensure free, fair and transparent elections
6. In his address, Election Commissioner, Dr. S.S. Sandhu said that the Central Observers have a big responsibility on their shoulders and when they are on the field, the Observers are the representatives of ECI. He called upon the officers to observe highest levels of conduct while carrying out their duties as ECI Observers and ensure a level playing field for all.
7. Addressing the Observers, Dr. Vivek Joshi called upon them to promptly address the grievances and complaints received by them. This, he said, helps build the trust of the people and the political parties in the electoral process. He also apprised them about the various new initiatives taken by the Commission in the past one year, which, he said were successfully implemented during the Bihar Assembly Elections.

The Commission appoints Central Observers under the plenary powers conferred on it by Article 324 of the Constitution and Section 20B of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 to assist the Commission in the conduct of free and fair polls. They also oversee the efficient and effective management of the electoral process at the field level.

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PK/GDH/RP

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