A total of 1,444 officers have been called for the briefing programme. This includes 714 General Observers, 233 Police Observers and 497 Expenditure Observers. The sessions are being conducted in three batches over two days, February 5 and 6, 2026, at the India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management (IIIDEM) in New Delhi.
The large-scale engagement reflects the magnitude of the upcoming elections, which will span 824 Assembly constituencies across five states and one Union Territory. Observers were provided with detailed guidance on their roles and responsibilities during the election period.
Top Election Officials Lead the Sessions
The briefing meetings were addressed by Chief Election Commissioner Shri Gyanesh Kumar, along with Election Commissioners Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Dr. Vivek Joshi. Senior officials of the Commission also participated, offering insights into election management, logistics and legal compliance.
Addressing the Observers, the Chief Election Commissioner described them as the “beacons” of the Election Commission in the field. He underlined that their presence would energise the election machinery and instil confidence among voters, political parties and election officials alike.
Ensuring Free, Fair and Transparent Polls
Shri Gyanesh Kumar emphasised that the foremost responsibility of Central Observers is to ensure free, fair and transparent elections. He stated that Observers must act decisively and independently to prevent any malpractice, intimidation or procedural lapses during the electoral process.
The CEC highlighted that the credibility of elections depends heavily on vigilant supervision at the constituency level, making the role of Observers crucial to democratic governance.
Observers as Mentors and Public Interface
Election Commissioner Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu advised Observers to serve as a friend, philosopher and guide to election officials working in the field. He stressed that Observers should provide constructive guidance while maintaining strict neutrality.
Dr. Sandhu also instructed that the arrival of Observers in their assigned areas must be well publicised. Their accessibility, he noted, is vital for swift grievance redressal and for avoiding even the perception of bias or favouritism.
Focus on Voter Convenience and Impartiality
Election Commissioner Dr. Vivek Joshi stressed the importance of implementing ECI instructions in letter and spirit. He reminded Observers that impartiality and adherence to democratic values are non-negotiable.
Dr. Joshi also emphasised timely distribution of Voter Information Slips (VIS). He said that delays in VIS distribution can inconvenience voters on polling day and must be closely monitored by Observers.
Training on Technology, Media and Electoral Rolls
During the sessions, Observers were briefed on the preparation and revision of electoral rolls, conduct of polls and enforcement of election laws. Special sessions were held on IT applications and digital platforms used by the Commission for monitoring and reporting.
Media-related matters were also discussed, with guidance on responsible communication, handling sensitive information and addressing misinformation during the election period.
Constitutional Authority of Central Observers
The Election Commission appoints Central Observers under the plenary powers conferred by Article 324 of the Constitution of India. Their deployment is further supported by Section 20B of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.
As the Commission’s eyes and ears on the ground, Observers are tasked with ensuring strict compliance with election laws, visiting polling stations regularly and verifying voter-centric facilities such as Assured Minimum Facilities (AMFs).