New Delhi: The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Thursday concluded its briefing meetings for 1,444 Central Observers to be deployed for the forthcoming General Elections to the Legislative Assemblies of Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal. The meetings were held at the India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management (IIIDEM).
Briefings Held in Three Batches Over Two Days
The briefing sessions were conducted in three batches over two days, on February 5 and 6, 2026. A total of 1,444 officers participated in the programme, comprising:
- 714 General Observers
- 233 Police Observers
- 497 Expenditure Observers
These officers will be deployed across poll-bound states to assist the Commission in ensuring the smooth conduct of elections.
Comprehensive Training on Electoral Processes
During the briefings, the Central Observers were sensitised on a wide range of election-related issues, including:
- Preparation and revision of Electoral Rolls
- Conduct of Elections and adherence to statutory procedures
- Expenditure monitoring
- Information Technology and media-related matters
The participants were also given a live demonstration of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) to familiarise them with operational and technical aspects of polling.
CEC and Election Commissioners Address Observers
The third and final batch of Observers was briefed on Thursday by Chief Election Commissioner Mr. Gyanesh Kumar, along with Election Commissioners Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Dr. Vivek Joshi. The Commission also held an interactive doubt-clearing session with the Observers.
“No Scope for Deviation from Law”: CEC Gyanesh Kumar
Addressing the Observers, CEC Mr. Gyanesh Kumar reiterated that elections in India are conducted strictly as per the law and instructions issued by the Commission from time to time. He cautioned that there is no scope for deviation and emphasised that Observers must strictly follow the legal framework and ECI guidelines.
The CEC informed that, in addition to initiatives introduced over the past year, new initiatives are being rolled out for the forthcoming Assembly elections. He urged the Observers to ensure that elections are free, fair, transparent and credible.
Observers Represent the ECI on the Ground: EC S.S. Sandhu
Election Commissioner Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu highlighted the critical responsibility entrusted to Central Observers. He reminded officers that while on field duty, they function as representatives of the Election Commission of India.
He called upon them to maintain the highest standards of conduct, neutrality and professionalism, and to ensure a level playing field for all political parties and candidates.
Prompt Grievance Redressal Builds Trust: EC Vivek Joshi
Election Commissioner Dr. Vivek Joshi stressed the importance of timely redressal of grievances and complaints received by Observers. He noted that swift action on complaints helps build public and political party confidence in the electoral process.
He also briefed the Observers on several new initiatives introduced by the Commission in the past year, many of which were successfully implemented during the Bihar Assembly Elections.
Constitutional Role of Central Observers
The Election Commission appoints Central Observers under the plenary powers conferred by Article 324 of the Constitution of India and Section 20B of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.
Central Observers assist the Commission in the conduct of free and fair elections and play a crucial role in monitoring and supervising election management at the field level, ensuring adherence to electoral laws and Commission directives.
