Election Observers Are the Beacons of Democracy: Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar

Image Source : eci.gov.in

Dated 3rd October 2025

News By Dr. B R Abdul Wajid

Editor in Chief

New Delhi | The Election Commission of India (ECI) held a special briefing session for General, Police, and Expenditure Observers who will be deployed as Central Observers for the upcoming Bihar State Assembly elections and bye-elections in some states.

A total of 425 officers, including 287 IAS officers, 58 IPS officers, and 80 officers from IRS, IRAS, ICAS, and other services, attended the meeting held at the India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management (IIIDEM) in New Delhi.

Chief Election Commissioner Shri Gyanesh Kumar, along with Election Commissioners Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Dr. Vivek Joshi, addressed the gathering. During his speech, the CEC described the Observers as “beacons of democracy”, who play a vital role in ensuring free, fair and transparent elections.

From left : Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, Election Commissioner | Shri Gyanesh Kumar, Chief Election Commissioner | Dr. Vivek Joshi, Election Commissioner. Image Source : eci.gov.in

CEC Gyanesh Kumar said that the Central Observers act as the eyes and ears of the Commission, and advised them to be well-versed with all election laws, rules and guidelines. He urged them to provide honest field reports and ensure impartial implementation of all election-related instructions.

The Commission instructed the Observers to remain easily accessible to political parties, candidates, and voters to help in the quick redressal of complaints. They were also asked to visit polling stations and ensure that all the new initiatives for voter convenience are properly followed.

The Central Observers are appointed by the Election Commission under the powers given by Article 324 of the Constitution and Section 20B of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. Their main duty is to assist the Commission in conducting free and fair elections and to oversee the smooth management of the electoral process in the field.

The Election Commission’s detailed briefing to the Central Observers reflects its strong commitment to maintaining transparency, neutrality and public trust in the democratic process. By guiding senior officers to uphold fairness and accountability, the ECI continues to ensure that every voter’s voice is heard and every vote counts in strengthening the foundation of India’s democracy.

News By Dr. B R Abdul Wajid