Andhra SEC appoints 28 IAS officers as poll observers

Vijayawada: The State Election Commission (SEC) has appointed 28 IAS officers as general observers to oversee the conduct of local body elections in Andhra Pradesh, directing them to ensure free, fair, transparent and impartial polling across the state.State election commissioner Anil Chandra Punetha, who briefed the officers on Thursday, said the model code of conduct had come into force with the announcement of the election schedule and instructed the observers to closely monitor violations and ensure strict compliance with election rules.Punetha emphasised that every voter should be able to exercise their franchise without fear, pressure or inducement. He asked the observers to guide officials at all levels and ensure that the election process remained peaceful and impartial.The general observers have been tasked with monitoring the implementation of election rules and ensuring transparency at every stage of the poll process. They were also instructed to coordinate with district police authorities to ensure adequate security arrangements and prevent any untoward incidents during the elections.Highlighting the role of technology in election management, Punetha drew the officers’ attention to the Poll Management App developed by SEC. The application provides information relating to voter management, polling stations and election procedures, helping officials monitor and manage the process more effectively.The commissioner stressed that observers should remain vigilant throughout the election process and take appropriate steps to address violations of the model code of conduct. Their role would be crucial in ensuring that election officials discharge their duties impartially and that political parties and candidates adhere to the prescribed rules.SEC’s deployment of IAS officers as general observers is aimed at strengthening supervision and accountability during the local body elections, with particular emphasis on maintaining a level playing field for contestants and protecting voters’ rights.Punetha called upon the observers to uphold the principles of fairness and transparency and ensure that the elections were conducted in a manner that inspires public confidence in the democratic process.Senior IAS officers S Nagalakshmi, M Seshagiribabu, KVN Chakradhar Babu, K Kannababu, MM Nayak, Ch Sridhar, Manjeer Jilani, Hebsiba Rani, Ranjit Basha, Sivasankar Lotheti, Shanmohan, M Gouthami, P Arun Babu, P Prasanthi, Lavanya Veni, Bhargavi, JV Murali, TS Chetan, Kurmanath, R Gopalakrishna, Praveen Aditya, Tej Bharath, Geethanjali Sharma were appointed as general observers. Another 28 IFS officers have been appointed as expenditure observers to different districts.You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Vijayawada | Silver Rate in Vijayawada | Bank Holidays in Vijayawada | Public Holidays in Vijayawada | Petrol Price in Vijayawada | Diesel Price in Vijayawada | CNG Price in Vijayawada | LPG Price in VijayawadaStay updated with the latest Vijayawada news. Download the TOI App.