The Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced the deployment of Central Observers for the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections and the bye-elections in Budgam and Nagrota constituencies in Jammu and Kashmir. This initiative aims to ensure the integrity and smooth conduct of the electoral process across the affected regions.
The ECI’s decision follows its discretionary powers under Article 324 of the Constitution and Section 20B of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. This authoritative undertaking underscores the Commission’s commitment to uphold democratic values and facilitate fair elections.
This announcement concludes weeks of speculation regarding the schedule for the long-awaited bye-elections in Jammu and Kashmir’s 90-member Legislative Assembly. Political stakeholders and citizens eagerly anticipate the upcoming polls.
- The Nagrota constituency became vacant due to the untimely death of BJP legislator and prominent leader Devender Singh Rana on October 31, 2024. With his passing coming shortly after the October 8 results, his daughter, Devyani Rana, has emerged as a potential candidate, although there is no official confirmation.
- In Budgam, the seat was vacated by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on October 21, 2024. Abdullah, having also contested from the family stronghold of Ganderbal, opted to retain his position there. The National Conference appears strategically strong in Budgam but has yet to finalize a candidate.
The ECI has mobilized a significant number of personnel for this purpose, deploying 470 officers across various states and Union Territories involved in the bye-elections. This includes 320 officers from the IAS, 60 from the IPS, and 90 from IRS/IRAS/ICAS services, reinforcing the Commission’s monitoring capabilities.
Central Observers play a vital role by acting as the eyes and ears of the Commission. Their responsibilities encompass:
- Monitoring electoral processes under the supervision of the ECI.
- Ensuring the maintenance of law and order during campaigns.
- Overseeing the management of elections and candidate expenditures to eliminate malpractice.
- Enhancing voter awareness and participation.
“The observers are entrusted with the crucial responsibility of upholding the impartiality and credibility of elections – the bedrock of democratic polity,” the ECI emphasized in a statement.
The Commission aims to announce the Bihar Assembly election schedule by mid-October. Additionally, it has confirmed October 24, 2025, as the date for the biennial elections to fill four vacant Rajya Sabha seats from Jammu and Kashmir.