New Delhi : The Election Commission of India, led by Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, along with Election Commissioners S. S. Sandhu and Vivek Joshi, on Wednesday conducted a review meeting with Central Observers deployed for the upcoming Assembly elections in Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry, scheduled for April 9, 2026.
A total of 282 Central Observers, including General, Police, and Expenditure Observers, along with Chief Electoral Officers of the respective states and Union Territory, participated in the meeting via videoconferencing.
The Commission directed the observers to ensure that elections are conducted in a festive atmosphere while maintaining the highest standards of being free, fair, and devoid of intimidation, violence, or inducement.
It also stressed strict enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct and called for prompt action on any complaints related to violations. Observers were instructed to widely publicise their contact details and ensure accessibility for citizens, political parties, and candidates to lodge grievances.
Additionally, the observers were asked to monitor critical election processes, including proper training of Presiding Officers, timely updating of voter turnout data on the ECINET platform, correct application of indelible ink, accurate filling of Form 17-C, and sharing of polling data with agents at the close of voting. They were also directed to ensure the deletion of mock poll data.
The Commission further emphasised the need to provide assured minimum facilities at polling stations, including mobile phone deposit arrangements and seating for voters in queues.
It also instructed officials to thoroughly check webcasting monitoring control room arrangements and conduct trial runs in the presence of trained staff to effectively identify and address any issues during polling.
The review reflects the Commission’s preparedness to ensure smooth and transparent conduct of elections across the three regions.
Election Commission of India deploys 282 Central Observers for Assam, Kerala, Puducherry polls
The Election Commission of India has deployed a total of 282 Central Observers across Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry for the upcoming Assembly elections, reinforcing its commitment to ensuring free and fair polling.
According to official data, Assam, which has 126 Assembly Constituencies, has been allocated 136 observers, including 51 General Observers, 35 Police Observers, and 50 Expenditure Observers.
Kerala, with 140 Assembly Constituencies, has 108 observers deployed, comprising 51 General Observers, 17 Police Observers, and 40 Expenditure Observers.
In Puducherry, which has 30 Assembly Constituencies, a total of 38 observers have been appointed, including 17 General Observers, 4 Police Observers, and 17 Expenditure Observers.
Overall, across the three regions covering 296 Assembly Constituencies, the Commission has deployed 119 General Observers, 56 Police Observers, and 107 Expenditure Observers.
The large-scale deployment underscores the Commission’s focus on maintaining transparency, monitoring election expenditure, and ensuring law and order during the electoral process.