Delhi:

The Election Commission of India held Video-Conference with over 250 Observers of Phase 2 today and directed them to ensure smooth, free and fair polling on April 26.

88 Parliamentary Constituencies in 12 states are scheduled for polling on April 26, in which 89 General Observers, 53 Police Observers and 109 Expenditure Observers have been deployed.

All have reported in constituencies before the last date of nomination i.e. April 3. Rajiv Kumar, Chief Election Commissioner accompanied with Gyanesh Kumar, Election Commissioner and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, Election Commissioner asked all the observers to strictly ensure that polling stations contain all amenities for voters especially to combat heat, no inducements are offered close to voting of second phase, forces are optimally utilised and law and order is kept under strict watch.

The Election Commission directed the Central Observers to ensure the preparedness for polling in all the constituencies well in advance and ensure the level playing field for all the stakeholders i.e. candidates and political parties. To remain physically available within the Parliamentary Constituency they are allotted during the entire election process.