CEC briefs over 400 observers for J&K, Haryana Assembly elections
Asks Observers to stay accessible for grievance redressal
Jammu, Aug 22: As Jammu and Kashmir and Haryana prepare for their upcoming assembly elections, the Election Commission of India (ECI) held a comprehensive briefing on Thursday for over 400 observers.
Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar, along with Election Commissioners Gyanesh Kumar and Dr. S. S. Sandhu, emphasized the critical role these observers will play in ensuring the smooth conduct of the elections.
The briefing, held at the Rang Bhawan Auditorium in New Delhi, was attended by senior officers from the IAS, IPS, Indian Revenue Service, and other central services. Around 200 General Observers, 100 Police Observers, and 100 Expenditure Observers are set to be deployed in the Haryana and Jammu & Kashmir.
During the briefing, Kumar addressed concerns about potential attempts to disrupt the election process in Jammu & Kashmir, stating, “There are forces determined to disrupt the election process, but we are fully prepared, and the ballot is the answer to such forces.” He added that the world is watching these elections, particularly in Jammu & Kashmir, and emphasized the significance of the people shaping their own destiny through the voting process.
Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar stressed the importance of professionalism and accessibility for the observers, who are expected to be available to all stakeholders, including candidates and the public. He highlighted the need to overcome language barriers and ensure clear communication. Kumar also pointed out that the observers themselves will be under scrutiny from political parties, candidates, voters, and the Commission.
The session reinforced the vital role of Observers as the “eyes and ears” of the Commission, with their inputs crucial for maintaining the fairness, impartiality, and credibility of the elections.
Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar underscored the importance of observing the entire election ecosystem to ensure free and fair elections, noting the high stakes in these keenly contested assembly polls. Dr. Sandhu echoed this sentiment, stressing the need for observers to maintain accessibility, visibility, and responsiveness to enhance the electoral process.
Dr. Sandhu stated that accessibility, visibility and responsiveness are essential to develop a virtuous spiral enhancing the conduct of the elections. All Observers were briefed about the crucial insights so as to sensitise them regarding the Commission’s various new initiatives and directions.
Observers were strictly directed 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. Observers details like mobile/ landline numbers/ email addresses/ places of stay etc. to be widely publicised on CEO/ District websites; through electronic/ print media and the same must be circulated among Candidates/ recognised political parties by DEOs/ ROs on the day of arrival of Observers in their respective Constituencies.
Observers were briefed on various aspects of election management, including the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct, election expenditure monitoring, and voter facilitation under the SVEEP (Systematic Voter’s Education and Electoral Participation) program. They were also provided with demonstrations of EVMs and VVPATs, focusing on the security features and protocols that ensure the integrity of the voting process.
The ECI is particularly vigilant against false narratives that could undermine the electoral process. Kumar assured that any attempts to spread misinformation would be promptly addressed by the Commission.
The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections will be conducted in three phases—September 18, September 25, and October 1—covering a total of 90 constituencies. Meanwhile, Haryana’s assembly elections are scheduled for October 1, with the results for both states to be announced on October 4.
The notification for the first phase of the Jammu & Kashmir elections has already been issued, with candidates required to submit their nominations by August 27. The scrutiny of nominations will take place on August 28, and the final date for withdrawal is August 30.
