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Assam Assembly Polls May Be Single-Phase, Before Bihu, Says ECI

The Election Commission of India has indicated that the upcoming Assam Assembly elections could be conducted in a single phase. Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar stated the schedule would consider voter convenience, climate, and administrative readiness, potentially placing the polls before the Rongali Bihu festival. In a significant move for transparency, Assam will see 100% webcasting of polling stations for the first time. The Commission also announced that real-time voter turnout data will be released at two-hour intervals on polling day.

Key Points: Assam Elections: Single-Phase Polls Before Bihu Hinted by ECI

  • Single-phase election hinted
  • Possible schedule before Rongali Bihu
  • 100% webcasting of polling stations
  • Real-time voter turnout data every 2 hours
2 min read

Assam polls may be held in a single phase, hints ECI

ECI hints at single-phase Assam polls before Rongali Bihu, with 100% webcasting and real-time voter turnout data for transparency.

"The Commission will take a decision keeping in mind the convenience of voters, climatic conditions, and the overall preparedness of the administration. - CEC Gyanesh Kumar"

Guwahati, Feb 18

The Election Commission of India on Wednesday indicated that the upcoming Assam Assembly elections could be conducted in a single phase, keeping in mind the convenience of voters and prevailing local conditions.

An ECI team, led by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, which is currently on a visit to Assam to review poll preparedness, briefed the media after a series of meetings with state officials and representatives of political parties.

The Commission also hinted that the elections may be held before the Rongali Bihu festival, one of Assam's most significant cultural celebrations, to ensure maximum voter participation and smooth conduct of the polls.

Addressing reporters, CEC Gyanesh Kumar said that the Election Commission is committed to conducting elections in a voter-friendly manner and that all logistical and security aspects are being carefully assessed before taking a final call on the poll schedule.

"The Commission will take a decision keeping in mind the convenience of voters, climatic conditions, and the overall preparedness of the administration," Kumar said.

In a major technological push, the Election Commission announced that Assam will witness 100 per cent webcasting of polling stations for the first time. This step is aimed at enhancing transparency and ensuring free and fair elections across the state.

Additionally, the Commission said that real-time voter turnout data will be released at regular intervals.

"The actual voting percentage will be shared every two hours on polling day," Kumar informed, adding that this measure would help curb misinformation and provide accurate updates to the public.

The ECI team is also reviewing security arrangements, the deployment of central armed police forces, and the readiness of election machinery at the district level.

The visit is part of the Commission's routine exercise ahead of major elections to assess ground-level preparedness and address concerns raised by various stakeholders.

The Election Commission reiterated its commitment to conducting peaceful, transparent, and inclusive elections in Assam, ensuring that every eligible voter is able to exercise their democratic right without fear or inconvenience.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Releasing voter turnout data every two hours is a fantastic transparency measure! This will stop all the fake news and speculation that usually spreads on polling day. The ECI is really stepping up its tech game. Well done!
R
Rohit P
While the intentions seem good, I hope the 'convenience of voters' also means better facilities at remote polling stations in places like Barak Valley. Last time, many elderly voters faced difficulties. The administration must ensure no one is left out.
M
Michael C
Interesting to see India's election process evolving. The scale of logistics for a state election is immense. The focus on timing it around a major cultural festival shows good understanding of local context. The webcasting initiative is a global best practice.
S
Shreya B
As an Assamese, I appreciate the respect shown to Rongali Bihu. Our festival is about new beginnings, so having elections before it feels auspicious. Hope the campaigning is also peaceful and doesn't disrupt the festive preparations. Fingers crossed!
K
Karthik V
The commitment to a peaceful election is key. Assam has diverse communities and it's important the security arrangements are robust to prevent any untoward incident. The deployment of central forces should be fair and adequate in all sensitive constituencies.

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