New Delhi: The state assembly elections in Bihar will be the largest election in the world to be held amid the pandemic. Underscoring this fact Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sunil Arora told Observers toay to be “extra careful” as this election will be keenly watched by the world community. “Bihar Elections needs to be showcased to the world as all attention is focussed on these Elections,” Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar added.
Bihar has 243 assembly seats and almost 7.19 crore electors.
At a meeting for Observers to be deployed for the forthcoming Bihar Legislative Assembly Elections as also bye-elections across the states, CEC Arora offered a global perspective on the impact of COVID-19 on election schedules across the globe and the “detailed” deliberations and assessments done by Election Commission of India (ECI) before taking the decision to conduct elections in Bihar.
The ECI laid emphasis on the extra dimension of Covid safe election and the broad guidelines issued by the Commission on this subject and the seminal role that Observers would play in ensuring that these guidelines and instructions on various facets are followed in letter and spirit.
Deputy Election Commissioner Chandra Bhushan Kumar, who is also Bihar State In-charge at ECI, detailed out the legal provision, Model Code of Conduct issues specifically in COVID scenario for Bihar Elections.
This meeting was uniquely positioned as a blend of virtual and physical gathering with more than 700 General, Police and Expenditure Observers joining virtually from 119 locations across the country and about 40 Observers posted in Delhi joining in person. Observers play an important role in guiding, mentoring and advising the field teams. The CEC reiterated ECI’s commitment to conduct an election that is free, fair, transparent, ethical and also Covid Safe. “All efforts must be made to instil confidence in the voter to come to the polling station on election day to cast her/his vote safely and freely,” he stressed.
Arora called upon the Observers to assume the role of friend, philosopher and guide to the local election machinery, guide and hand-hold them and help resolve their issues. He lauded the commitment and dedication of some of the special expenditure observers in the past who made sure that level playing field was made available during election by virtue of their formidable domain knowledge and absolute impartiality. This time two Special Expenditure Observers have already been appointed by the Commission and, the EC said, if required other such Special Observers would also be appointed as the election process progresses.
– globalbihari bureau
