Gyanesh Kumar-led ECI team visits Patna, poll dates expected soon
What's the story
A delegation from the Election Commission of India (ECI), headed by Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, is in Patna to review preparations for the upcoming Bihar Legislative Assembly elections. The team also includes Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi. An all-party meeting with representatives of 12 recognized political parties is currently underway at the Taj Hotel under CEC Kumar's chairmanship.
Preparatory measures
ECI visits state days before election schedule announcement
The ECI usually visits a state just days before announcing the election schedule. With the Bihar Assembly's term ending on November 22, elections must be held before then. Ahead of their visit, the ECI had briefed General, Police, and Expenditure Observers who will be deployed as Central Observers for these elections and some bye-elections.
Observer briefing
Observers briefed on election laws, grievance redressal
A total of 425 officers, including IAS, IPS and IRS officers, attended the meeting at IIIDEM in New Delhi. CEC Kumar called these observers "the beacons of democracy," emphasizing their role in ensuring free and fair elections. He asked them to familiarize themselves with all election laws and remain accessible to political parties, candidates, and voters for grievance redressal.
Constitutional role
Central observers appointed by ECI
The ECI appoints Central Observers under Article 324 of the Constitution and Section 20B of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. These observers play a crucial role in ensuring transparency and effective management of the electoral process at the ground level. The official dates for Bihar's Assembly elections are yet to be announced, but sources indicate that they will likely be declared on October 6 or 7.