The Election Commission on Friday directed the observers appointed to oversee the assembly poll process in Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Pondicherry to maintain constant monitoring and take firm action against those violating the model code of conduct.
Briefing over 400 senior officers, the full commission headed by Chief Election Commissioner B B Tandon asked them to take various confidence-building measures and action against those who intimidate voters.
Tandon told reporters after the meeting that observers had been told to keep a close watch on state government employees so that they function without any political bias.
"We have impressed upon the observers to give an excellent performance and come upto commission's expectations," the CEC said, adding that the observers were 'eyes and ears' of the commission during elections.
Photo electoral rolls were being used for the first time in Kerala and Pondicherry and the commission has launched a special campaign to increase the Electoral Photo Identity Cards (EPIC) in Tamil Nadu to increase its coverage from the present 56 per cent to 63 per cent, he said.
The commission will tour Pondicherry on March 27 and Tamil Nadu on March 28 and 29 to review preparations.
