New Delhi, February 5: The Election Commission of India has provided a comprehensive briefing to central observers assigned for the upcoming assembly elections in Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal. Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, along with Election Commissioners Dr. Sukbir Singh Sandhu and Dr. Vivek Joshi, addressed the observers during meetings that began on Thursday.
These briefing sessions are being held at the India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management in Delhi over two days, on February 5 and 6, 2026, in three batches. A total of 1,444 officials have been summoned, including 714 general observers, 233 police observers, and 497 expenditure observers. These observers will monitor the electoral process and play a crucial role in ensuring free, fair, and transparent elections.
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar emphasized that the presence of observers would strengthen and energize the electoral machinery across 824 constituencies. He stressed the importance of maintaining impartiality at every step and ensuring strict adherence to election laws.
Election Commissioner Dr. Sukbir Singh Sandhu advised the observers to act as friends, philosophers, and guides to the regional election officials. Their arrival should be well-publicized, and they must remain accessible to all. Immediate resolution of voter complaints is essential to avoid any allegations of bias.
Election Commissioner Dr. Vivek Joshi instructed that all directives from the Election Commission of India (ECI) must be followed meticulously. Voter information slips should be distributed on time to prevent any inconvenience on polling day. He underscored the importance of upholding fairness and democratic values.
During the briefing, a doubt-clearing session was also held, where observers posed questions. Senior officials from the commission provided detailed information on preparing voter lists, conducting elections, IT applications, media-related issues, and other aspects across the five states.
Observers were described as the commission’s “eyes and ears.” They were instructed to be well-acquainted with all election laws, rules, and guidelines, and to provide direct input to the commission. They should be fully available to political parties and candidates, promptly address voter complaints, and visit polling stations to ensure the implementation of recent measures like Minimum Facilities (AMF).
The ECI has the full authority to appoint these observers under Article 324 of the Constitution and Section 20B of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. They oversee the efficient management of the electoral process at the field level and assist in ensuring free and fair elections.
