ECI deploys observers for Jubilee Hills bye-election in Telangana

HYDERABAD: The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Sunday announced the appointment of Central Observers for the forthcoming bye-election in the Jubilee Hills Assembly constituency of Telangana, as part of its wider deployment for assembly and bye-polls across several states.

The Commission announced that they will deploy 470 officers, including 320 from the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), 60 from the Indian Police Service (IPS), and 90 from the Indian Revenue Service (IRS), Indian Railway Accounts Service (IRAS), and Indian Civil Accounts Service (ICAS), as observers in Bihar and bye-elections in eight states.

Observers to ensure fair and transparent polls

According to the ECI, observers function as its “eyes and ears,” monitoring the conduct of polls and reporting directly to the Commission. So they will work under its superintendence and control from the time of appointment until the completion of the election process. General and Police Observers will oversee arrangements and law-and-order, while Expenditure Observers will monitor poll-related spending by candidates. The Commission said their primary role is to ensure fairness, impartiality and credibility of the elections.

Legal backing for deployment

The deployment has been made under the plenary powers of Article 324 of the Constitution and Section 20B of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. These provisions empower the Commission to appoint observers to safeguard electoral integrity.

Bye-polls in eight states

Alongside Bihar, officials will hold bye-elections in Jammu & Kashmir (Budgam and Nagrota), Rajasthan (Anta), Jharkhand (Ghatsila), Punjab (Tarn Taran), Mizoram (Dampa), Odisha (Nuapada) and Telangana (Jubilee Hills). The Commission said observers also play a role in enhancing voter awareness and participation, apart from ensuring smooth management of the electoral process.