New Delhi, Oct 5 (IANS): The Election Commission of India on Monday organised a meeting to brief observers to be deployed for the Bihar Assembly elections and by-elections in other states.

The meeting was attended by more than 700 general, police and expenditure observers virtually from 119 locations across the country whereas around 40 observers posted in Delhi joined in person.

Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora gave a global perspective on the impact of Covid-19 on the election schedules around the world and the detailed deliberation and assessments done by the ECI before taking the decision to conduct elections in Bihar.

He underscored the need to be extra careful as the elections would be keenly watched amid the pandemic.

He reiterated the ECI's commitment to conduct free, fair, transparent, ethical and Covid-safe elections.

"All efforts must be made to instil confidence in the voter to come to the polling station on voting day to cast her/his vote safely and freely," said Arora.

He advised the observers to assume the role of friend, philosopher and guide to the local election machinery, guide and hand-hold them and help resolve their issues.

The observer were specifically briefed by officers on election planning, security management, SVEEP and media aspects.

The commission informed the Observers of the training already conducted for polling personnel and VVPAT management system as also the electoral rolls' issues, apart from the Model Code of Conduct issues specifically amid the COVID scenario for Bihar elections.