Election Commission (File photo)
PATNA: The Election Commission (EC) on Sunday said it would deploy altogether 470 officers as its central observers for the upcoming assembly elections in Bihar and bypolls in seven other states to ensure a free, fair and impartial electoral contest.“Of the 470 officers, 320 are IAS officers, 60 are IPS and 90 are from IRS and other services,” the commission said.The EC deploys central observers under the plenary powers conferred on it by Article 324 of the Constitution and the powers conferred on it by Section 20B of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 to watch the conduct of elections in a constituency.“The observers, who work under the superintendence, control, and discipline of the Commission for the period from their appointment until the process of election is completed, are entrusted with the crucial and solemn responsibility to ensure the fairness, impartiality and credibility of elections, which ultimately forms the bedrock of our democratic polity,” the EC said in a statement on Sunday.The EC also said that the observers, who act as “eyes and ears of the commission”, keep reporting to the commission periodically and on need basis.“By dint of their seniority and long experience in the administrative services, General and Police observers assist the commission in the conduct of free and fair polls. They also oversee the efficient and effective management of the electoral process at the field level. While the Expenditure Observers are appointed to observe the election expenses incurred by the candidates,” the EC said.A briefing of these observers is scheduled in New Delhi on October 3, a day before the EC arrives here to review poll preparedness in Bihar.The current term of the 243-member Bihar assembly ends on November 22 and polls are likely to be held in November.
