In the run-up to elections to the Lok Sabha and some state assemblies, the Election Commission on Monday organised a briefing for observers to be deployed in states and Union territories at which Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar asked them to ensure a level-playing field for a free, fair, intimidation and inducement-free electoral exercise.

Over 2,150 senior officers drawn from IAS, IPS officers as well as officers from the Indian Revenue Service, and few other Central Services attended the meeting which was organised in a hybrid mode at Vigyan Bhawan here. Few officials joined virtually from the office of Chief Electoral Officers in their respective states/UTs.

Around 900 General Observers, 450 Police Observers and 800 Expenditure Observers are being deployed in the forthcoming elections.

Reminding the observers of their crucial role, the CEC emphasised that as representatives of the Commission, they are expected to conduct themselves professionally and be accessible to all stakeholders, including candidates. The observers were instructed to be tough but polite in their conduct on the field. He also asked them to visit the polling stations and familiarise themselves with the geography and take stock of any vulnerabilities and sensitive areas.

Mr Kumar also mentioned that the Commission has re-drafted all circulars and updated the manuals, handbooks which are available on the ECI website in a searchable and easy to read format. He added that handbooks and manuals have been prepared on the basis of roles and functions of different officials along with a checklist of Do’s and Don’ts.

During the meeting, all the observers were briefed about the crucial insights so as to sensitise them regarding the Commission’s various new initiatives and directions.

The observers were directed to be confined physically within the boundaries of the Parliamentary Constituency they are allotted, during the entire electoral process. GPS tracking is proposed to be fitted in their vehicles.

The observers were directed to widely publicise their mobile/ landline numbers/ email addresses/ places of stay etc. on CEO/ District websites; through electronic/ print media. The same must be circulated among Candidates/recognised political parties by DEOs/ ROs on the day of arrival of Observers in their respective constituencies.

They were told to remain available on their phones/e-mails always and attend/respond to the calls of Candidates/Political parties/General public/personnel on election duties etc. Any complaints in this regard will be viewed seriously by the Commission.

The observers were told that they should visit as many polling station locations and vulnerable areas as possible; interact with people living in these areas and identify vulnerabilities/criticalities of such areas and ensure measures to be taken to address them.

Observers were also directed to observe the meetings of Candidates/political parties being convened by DEOs/ ROs and see that their grievances are properly listened to and acted upon.