Election Commission Reviews Preparations for Bihar Assembly Polls

A delegation from the Election Commission of India (ECI), led by Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, arrived in Patna, Bihar, to assess the preparations for the upcoming Legislative Assembly elections. The visit includes Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi, who are part of the team evaluating the electoral readiness in the state.

In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), the ECI announced, “ECI delegation led by CEC Gyanesh Kumar and ECs Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Dr. Vivek Joshi arrives in Patna today to review poll preparedness for forthcoming Bihar Assembly Elections.” The assembly elections in Bihar are anticipated to take place later this year, although the exact date has not yet been disclosed.

Preparatory Briefings for Central Observers

Prior to the delegation’s visit, the ECI organized a briefing in New Delhi for General, Police, and Expenditure Observers who will serve as Central Observers for the Bihar elections, along with bye-elections in other states. According to the ECI’s press release, the session saw participation from 425 officers, including 287 IAS officers, 58 IPS officers, and 80 officers from various services such as the IRS, IRAS, and ICAS.

During the briefing, Gyanesh Kumar emphasized the vital role of the Central Observers, describing them as “the beacons of democracy.” He urged them to become well-acquainted with election laws, rules, and guidelines, while also providing direct field inputs to ensure compliance. Observers were instructed to maintain accessibility for political parties, candidates, and voters to address any grievances effectively.

Additionally, these observers are expected to conduct visits to polling stations, ensuring the implementation of recent initiatives introduced by the Commission aimed at enhancing voter convenience. The appointment of Central Observers is authorized under the plenary powers granted by Article 324 of the Constitution and Section 20B of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, which empower the ECI to uphold the integrity of the electoral process.

Focus on Free and Fair Elections

The ECI is committed to overseeing the efficient management of elections at the field level, ensuring that the electoral process is transparent and impartial. The delegation’s visit to Bihar is part of a broader strategy to maintain a robust framework for free and fair elections, reflecting the Commission’s dedication to democratic principles.

As preparations continue, the ECI will remain actively engaged in coordinating with local authorities and stakeholders to ensure a smooth electoral process in Bihar, paving the way for a comprehensive democratic exercise later this year.