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ECI Reviews Assam Poll Preparedness, Parties Favor Single-Phase Election

The Election Commission of India conducted a two-day review of preparedness for the upcoming Assam Legislative Assembly elections in Guwahati. The Commission met with representatives from multiple national and state political parties, who largely favored holding the elections in a single or maximum two phases and requested the poll schedule consider the Bihu festival. In subsequent meetings with senior police and administrative officials, the ECI reviewed all logistical, security, and procedural aspects of the election. Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar emphasized strict adherence to constitutional and electoral laws while directing officials to ensure impartiality and a voter-friendly experience.

Key Points: ECI Reviews Assam Assembly Election Preparedness in Guwahati

  • ECI reviews Assam Assembly poll preparedness
  • Parties favor single or two-phase election
  • Scheduling must consider Bihu festival
  • Focus on impartial, transparent, and peaceful polls
  • Social media monitoring for fake news
2 min read

ECI reviews poll preparedness for Assam Assembly polls

Election Commission reviews Assam poll readiness, meets parties and officials. Parties favor single or two-phase voting, request consideration of Bihu festival dates.

"The elections must be conducted strictly in accordance with the Constitution of India - CEC Gyanesh Kumar"

​Guwahati, Feb 17 The Election Commission of India on Tuesday undertook a detailed review of poll preparedness for the forthcoming Assam Legislative Assembly elections, with Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi holding extensive interactions with political parties and senior officials in Guwahati.

The review marked the first day of the Commission's two-day visit to the state on February 17 and 18. ​

During the visit, the ECI interacted with representatives of recognised national and state political parties, including the Aam Aadmi Party, Bharatiya Janata Party, Communist Party of India (Marxist), Indian National Congress, All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF), Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), United People's Party Liberal, and the Bodoland People's Front. ​

The Commission provided each political party an opportunity to place its views, concerns, and suggestions, with an emphasis on ensuring that the forthcoming Assembly elections are conducted in a transparent, free, and impartial manner. ​

According to the ECI, the majority of political parties favoured holding the elections in a single phase or, at most, in two phases. Parties also urged the Commission to take into account the Bihu festival while scheduling the election dates.​

During interactions, political parties generally appreciated the conduct of the Special Revision of the Electoral Rolls in Assam and offered suggestions to ensure peaceful and orderly elections across the state. ​

Following the interaction with political parties, the Commission held a comprehensive review meeting with Inspector Generals, Deputy Inspector Generals, District Election Officers (DEOs), and Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs). ​

The discussions covered all key aspects of election preparedness, including election planning, EVM management, logistics, training of election personnel, seizures, law and order arrangements, voter awareness initiatives, and outreach activities.​

CEC Gyanesh Kumar stressed that the elections must be conducted strictly in accordance with the Constitution of India, relevant electoral laws, and the Election Commission's instructions. ​

The Commission directed all DEOs, SSPs, and the state administration to act with complete impartiality and to ensure prompt redressal of complaints and grievances raised by political parties. ​

The ECI also instructed officials to make concerted efforts to create a pleasant voting experience by ensuring polling stations are festive, welcoming, and voter-friendly. ​

Additionally, all DEOs and Superintendents of Police were asked to closely monitor social media for fake news and misinformation and to take swift and appropriate legal action wherever required.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
The emphasis on a "pleasant voting experience" with festive polling stations is a nice initiative. It can encourage more people, especially first-time voters, to come out. The real test will be impartiality on the ground. Let's see if all DEOs follow the CEC's instructions.
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Arun Y
Monitoring social media for fake news is absolutely crucial. In the last few elections, we've seen how quickly misinformation spreads. Swift legal action is needed to protect the integrity of the process. Good step by the Commission.
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Sarah B
As an observer, it's impressive to see the level of detail in the review—from EVM logistics to voter awareness. Engaging with all parties, big and small, is the foundation of a healthy democracy. Hope the peaceful conduct mentioned becomes a reality.
K
Karthik V
While the preparations sound thorough on paper, my one respectful criticism is about the "prompt redressal of complaints." In past elections, many complaints from smaller parties got lost in bureaucracy. The ECI must ensure a truly level playing field this time.
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Meera T
Jai Hind! The election is the festival of democracy. Glad the Special Revision of rolls was appreciated. Now, the focus should be on high voter turnout. Assam, choose wisely for your future development! 🇮🇳

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