(a) There shall be a regional election monitor within each planning region, as defined in § 4-124i, who shall represent, consult with and act on behalf of the Secretary of the State in preparations for and operations of any election, primary or recanvass, or any audit conducted pursuant to § 9-320f.

(b) Not later than March first of the year of each regular election, each regional council of governments shall contract with an individual, in accordance with § 4-124p, to serve as the regional election monitor for such planning region. The regional election monitor shall (1) be an elector of this state, (2) perform the duties of the position in a nonpartisan manner, (3) have prior field experience in the conduct of elections, and (4) be certified by the Secretary of the State in accordance with subdivision (2) of subsection (b) of § 9-229 or as soon after execution of such contract as practicable. The regional election monitor shall not be considered a state employee and shall, in accordance with such contract, be compensated for the performance of any duty agreed upon by the parties and reimbursed for necessary expenses incurred in the performance of such duties. The regional council of governments shall, in accordance with such contract, provide the regional election monitor with any space, supplies, equipment and services necessary to properly carry out the duties of the position. The regional council of governments may terminate such contract for any reason.

(c) Not later than March first of the year of each regular election, each regional council of governments shall enter into a memorandum of understanding with the Secretary of the State concerning the regional election monitor under contract pursuant to subsection (b) of this section. The regional council of governments shall confirm within such memorandum of understanding that (1) each requirement described in subsection (b) of this section is satisfied and the contract between the regional council of governments and the individual who shall serve as regional election monitor specifies minimum expectations of performance under such contract, (2) such regional election monitor is subject to the control and direction of the Secretary of the State, (3) revocation by the Secretary of the State of such regional election monitor’s certification constitutes breach of such contract and results in immediate termination of such contract, and (4) such regional election monitor is retained, absent termination of such contract by the council, until at least thirty days after such regular election.