On the eve of the election to the politically volatile state of Bihar, Chief Election Commissioner B B Tandon Monday asked political parties and candidates to observe the "highest standards of electoral ethics and morality" in the conduct of free and fair polls in the state.

He also appealed to the electors to come out in large numbers and exercise their franchise fearlessly and according to their free will.

• First phase of Bihar polls on Tuesday

The political parties and candidates should ensure that their "enthusiastic, sometimes over-enthusiastic supporters and workers eschew violence of any kind and do not coerce, intimidate or browbeat the voters to vote against their free will or wish".

"Their appeals should not arouse passion on accont of religion, race, caste or language or create feelings of ill-will or hatred between different sections of the community," Tandon said a day ahead of the first phase of elections to 57 constituencies in the naxalite-dominated region.

He also asked government officials, including the security personnel from Central para-military forces and the state police to observe "utmost neutrality and impartial conduct" of the polls, the second in Bihar in 2005.

"They should remember that they are officers of the commission, being on deputation to it, while deployed on an election related function and are subject to its superintendence, control, direction and discipline", he warned.