Ensure strict vigil, fair election in state: CEC to observers

Pune: CEC Rajiv Kumar, during a review meeting late on Tuesday with central observers deployed for the state election, directed them to be accessible to all candidates and parties without any favouritism and warned that complaints about bias would be dealt with seriously.The state chief electoral office has said that they are carrying out bag checks according to ECI directions, and this is a neutral approach for all candidates, political leaders, and star campaigners.Observers were told to maintain a strict vigil over the law-and-order situation and monitor the flow of any inducements like drugs, liquor, freebies, and cash that can be used to vitiate the election space.Checking and screening by enforcement agencies should be done as per established protocol and in a completely impartial manner, Kumar added.Observers should ensure that central forces and state police forces are neutral and that their deployment does not favour any political parties or candidates. They must particularly ensure that the entire election process, specifically the campaign discourse, does not affect the dignity of women.During polling hours, observers should visit as many polling stations as possible, assess the situation inside, and ensure polling is conducted fairly. They must make sure that all arrangements and minimum facilities are in place.Observers should carry themselves with the highest standards of professional, personal, and ethical conduct and must abide by the Commission's guidelines, Kumar added.In 288 seats, a total of 142 general observers, 41 police observers, and 72 expenditure observers have been deployed.
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