NEW DELHI: A delegation of the Election Commission of India (ECI), led by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, arrived in Patna on Friday to review preparations for the forthcoming Bihar Assembly elections.The delegation also includes Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi.Confirming the visit in a post on X, the ECI stated, “ECI delegation led by CEC Gyanesh Kumar and ECs Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Dr. Vivek Joshi arrives in Patna today to review poll preparedness for forthcoming Bihar Assembly Elections.”Ahead of the Bihar visit, the Commission conducted a detailed briefing in New Delhi for Central Observers to be deployed during the state polls and certain bye-elections.According to an official press release, 425 officers participated in the session, including 287 IAS officers, 58 IPS officers and 80 officers from IRS, IRAS, ICAS and other services. The meeting was held at the India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management (IIIDEM).Addressing the participants, CEC Kumar described the Observers as the “beacons of democracy.” He said they serve as the Commission’s “eyes and ears” and must ensure strict and impartial implementation of all election laws, rules and guidelines. Observers were also asked to remain accessible to political parties, candidates and voters for grievance redressal and to visit polling stations to monitor the implementation of voter-friendly measures recently introduced by the Commission.The Election Commission appoints Central Observers under Article 324 of the Constitution and Section 20B of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, to oversee the conduct of free and fair elections. They play a crucial role in ensuring transparency and effective management of the electoral process at the ground level.Bihar is scheduled to hold Assembly elections later this year, though the official dates are yet to be announced. According to sources, the EC is likely to announce the poll dates on October 6 or 7.