EC appoints 227 observers for Gujarat Assembly Polls

Gandhinagar, Nov 22 (UNI) The Election Commission today appointed as many as 227 election observers for ensuring smooth and free and fair polls in the first and second phases of the Gujarat Assembly elections, scheduled for December 11 and 16.

Of these 227 observers, 187 will look after all aspects, except financial matters pertaining to electioneering. The remaining 40 will closely monitor the expenditures being made by the candidates in their respective constituencies, an official release said here.

On first visit to their respective constituencies, the observers will oversee procedures of filing of nomination papers, its scrutinisation and withdrawals. They will also observe election campaiginng and polling procedures in their constituencies. Besides, they will also see preparedness of EVMs, training to polling officers, and voters awareness programmes being carried out in their constituencies.

They will keep close watch over political activities and monitor law and order in sensitive and hyper-sensitive polling booths of their areas.

On their second visit, the observers will monitor counting of votes and announcement of results.

They will also ensure that no untoward incident occurs in their constituencies and undertake confiscation of unlicensed arms.

They will ensure that the arrangements for videography of sensitive and hyper-sensitive polls are made, the release added.

UNI