New Delhi: election committee Officials appointed as central observers for the upcoming parliamentary elections in four states and one Union Territory were on Thursday directed to act impartially, ensure compliance with all electoral laws and existing Election Commission guidelines and be the eyes and ears of the commission by reporting any electoral malpractice noticed by them.Addressing the central observers of India’s International Institute of Democracy and Electoral Management (IIIDEM) here, Chief Election Commissioner Janesh Kumar said the Election Commission has chosen them as a beacon for the assembly elections in Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal. He asked them to ensure free, fair and transparent polls, stressing that their presence was crucial in energizing the entire electoral machinery in the polling states and UT’s 824 precincts.Polling in these four states and Puducherry is likely to be held in April-May. A total of 1,444 observers will be briefed in three batches on Thursday and Friday.West Bengal Home Minister Jagdish Prasad Meena and Howrah Police Commissioner Praveen Kumar Tripathi are among the 25 IAS and IPS officers appointed by the EC as central observers.The EC also held a question and answer session. Senior officials briefed observers on the preparation of electoral rolls and other aspects.
