The Election Commission also assigns Special Expenditure Observers in five states, including Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has recently announced the appointment of Special Observers, both General and Police, in six states - Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal. This move aims to ensure a fair and balanced Lok Sabha election process.
In addition to this, the ECI has also designated Special Expenditure Observers in five states, namely Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh.
The ECI, in its official statement, mentioned that the Special Observers have been deployed in states with a population exceeding seven crores, such as West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Bihar. They are also assigned to Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, where Assembly elections are to be held simultaneously.
These Special Observers are tasked with the critical responsibility of overseeing the randomisation of personnel, security forces, and voting machines. This is to prevent any potential disruption of the democratic process and ensure a level playing field.
Recognising the challenges posed by the influence of money, muscle power, and misinformation, the ECI has appointed Special Observers for the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies to maintain strict vigilance over the electoral process.
The appointed Special Observers are former civil servants with an impressive track record and extensive experience in election processes.
In a bid to curb the influence of money in elections and to reinforce the existing election expenditure monitoring, the ECI has also deployed Special Expenditure Observers in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and Odisha.
The ECI expressed its concern over the menace of money power and the distribution of illicit liquor and freebies during the election period.
The Observers are entrusted with the vital and solemn duty of ensuring the fairness, impartiality, and credibility of elections, which form the cornerstone of our democratic system.
The general elections will be conducted in seven phases from 19th April to 1st June, with the counting scheduled for 4th June.
