New Delhi, Jan 2 (ANI): The Chief Election Commissioner, Dr. S.Y. Quarishi, on Monday underlined that election management in India has become an example for the world and several countries now wish to learn skills from ECI.
Dr. Quarishi, who addressed the Observers being appointed for the General Elections to the Legislative Assemblies of Goa, Manipur, Punjab, Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh, drew the attention of the Observers to their crucial role in the conduct of elections, specially their vigilance and executive functions.
Dr Quraishi complimented the Observers for having contributed to free and fair elections everytime, and for being instrumental in rooting out evils like booth capturing and muscle power.
Highlighting the total independence of the Election Commission, the CEC said, this has been possible due to the founders of the constitution and the unwavering support from judiciary, politicians, civil servants, the media and above all the people of India.
Election Commissioners V.S.Sampath and H.S.Bramha, who were also present, pointed out the specific areas that the Observers should be careful about while doing their duties in the elections.
Officials of the Commission provided details of rules, regulations, ground situation, and the range of responsibilities that the Observers have to perform.
The Commission called upon the Observers to set new benchmarks in election management in the forthcoming election through stringent observation and display of alertness and ingenuity.
The Commission today held a briefing for 1200 Observers who are being appointed for the General Elections to the Legislative Assemblies of Goa, Manipur, Punjab, Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh.
The Commission will appoint 531 General Observers, 178 Expenditure Observers and 89 Police Observers to observe the election process in these five states.
Observers, who are appointed under Section 20 B of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 play an important role in ensuring free and fair elections. They act as crucial link between the field and the Commission.
These officers remain under disciplinary control of the Commission till the end of elections. Observers will be monitoring all the processes involved in the conduct of election to maintain its purity including the election expenditure incurred by the contesting candidates.
The Election Observers will reach their allotted constituencies on the last date of filing of nominations and stay continuously in the constituencies assigned to them till the end of poll day.
They would ensure quick redressal of complaints that are received from political parties/candidates etc. Their contact address and telephone number will be advertised in local newspaper by the District Election Officer and they will set aside 2 hours daily- 4.00 p.m. to 6.00 p.m. at Returning Officer's office to meet with any person who wants to meet the Observer in person and submit his/her grievance.
The Observer will supervise the process of election at all stages, viz campaign, poll, counting of votes and declaration of results. They would also be supervising randomization, preparation of Electronic Voting Machines, training of polling personnel and conduct of voter awareness programmes.
All Observers have been advised to look into the force deployment plan in their constituency. They will also be examining the identification of critical polling stations and monitor the process of vulnerability mapping to identify the segments vulnerable to threat and intimidation.
The Observers have been advised to make sure that the affidavits that are filed by the Candidates at the time of nomination detailing their movable/immovable assets, qualifications, convictions, cases pending in courts, are displayed prominently and made available for public scrutiny without any loss of time.
They have been advised to make sure that the affidavits that are filed by the Candidates at the time of nomination detailing their movable/immovable assets, qualifications, convictions, cases pending in courts, are displayed prominently and made available for public scrutiny without any loss of time.
The Observers have specifically been advised to tour their respective allotted Assembly Constituency extensively and build confidence among weaker and disadvantaged sections. They will constantly review execution of non-bailable warrants, recovery of illicit arms and collection of licensed arms from undesirable elements.
They will monitor strictly the enforcement of Model Code of Conduct. They have been advised to make sure that extensive videography is done of all critical events that may take place during the election process and polling at critical polling stations.
The Commission has issued direction to all District Election Officers to prepare a comprehensive communication plan in consultation with Observers to ensure proper and effective communication on the day of poll.
The Observers would be assisted by the static Micro-Observers who would be deployed at critical polling stations to observe and ensure the purity of the polling process. Central Government/Public Sector employees would be utilized to the extent possible as Micro-Observers.
These Micro-Observers will report to the Observers. The training and orientation of Micro-Observers shall be the responsibility of Observers. (ANI)
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