Srinagar, Aug 21 (Reporter) A day after the Election Commission of India (ECI) issued the notification for the first phase of Assembly election in Jammu and Kashmir, Central Expenditure Observers for Anantnag district, directed candidates to strictly adhere to the expenditure guidelines formulated by the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) during the election campaign. Speaking to media in Anantnag on Wednesday, the observers Devjyoti Chakravarty and Tamil Selvam, emphasized their role in ensuring candidates contesting the elections remain within the declared expenditure limits and follow the CEC's guidelines. The ECI issued the notification for the first phase of voting on August 20, with the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly election scheduled to take place in three phases on September 18, September 25, and October 1. Appointed by the CEC, the observers aim to prevent candidates from exceeding the expenditure limit. They stressed that candidates must comply with the guidelines to ensure free and fair elections. In response to a question, the observers noted that their efforts would help to seize illegal money, liquor, or other items that could influence the election. The observers mentioned that they had conducted meetings with officials, visited various locations, and observed the establishment of check posts, frisking, and vehicle searches by security forces to ensure a fair election process. “Surveillance teams and flying squads have been formed to address complaints regarding cash transactions or other issues promptly,” they said. The team has instructed security agencies to maintain vigilance, conduct vehicle checks, and prevent the entry of money, liquor, or drugs that could influence the election process. They encouraged individuals with information to contact the complaint machinery or flying squad for prompt action. The observers also directed the District Election Officer (DEO) to provide each candidate with a copy of the expenditure guidelines compiled by the CEC...////...