Maharashtra, Jharkhand elections: EC instructs observers to ensure transparency and swift grievance redressal during polls

NEW DELHI: The Election Commission on Wednesday directed observers, who will act as its ears and eyes in the Maharastra and Jharkhand polls as well as bypolls, to familiarise them with all the election processes and observe their transparent implementation in letter and spirit.

Briefing 625 IAS, IPS and IRS officers picked as general, police and expenditure observers for the upcoming polls, election commissioners Gyanesh Kumar and S S Sandhu gave them strict instructions to remain accessible to all parties, candidates and voters for timely redressal of their grievances. Any complaints in this regard shall be viewed seriously by the Commission, they were warned.

EC insisted that details like the observers’ mobile or landline numbers, email addresses and place of stay etc. should be widely publicised on CEO/ district websites; through electronic/ print media and the same must be circulated among candidates and recognised political parties by DEOs/ ROs on the day of arrival of observers in their respective constituencies.

Election commissioner Gyanesh Kumar in his address urged observers to focus on various aspects of the smooth conduct of elections including processes, infrastructure and perception. He cautioned them about the menace of false narratives meant to vitiate the election process and asked them to ensure a swift response by district teams to counter any misinformation.

In his address, election commissioner Sandhu exhorted the observers to be absolutely thorough in their role and use their vast experience to serve as a guide to the officials conducting the elections. He advised the observers to inspect the vulnerable polling stations.

Observers were told 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.

During the day-long briefing sessions, the officers were given comprehensive inputs about the various aspects of election management by the senior EC officials. They were also acquainted with the various IT initiatives and mobile applications of the Commission for voter facilitation as well as for effective and efficient management of election processes in the field.