ECI Reviews Assam Poll Preparedness Ahead of April 9 Elections, Stresses Free and Fair Voting

The Election Commission of India conducted an extensive online review and training session with District Election Officers (DEOs), Superintendents of Police (SPs), Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs), Commissioners of Police (CPs), and other senior officials across Assam on Wednesday, as the state gears up for Assembly elections scheduled on April 9, 2026. The review comes in continuation of directives issued by Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar during his visit to Assam on February 18, where he stressed that elections must be conducted in a violence-free, intimidation-free, and inducement-free environment, ensuring every voter can exercise their franchise without fear or favour. During the session, senior Commission officials undertook a comprehensive assessment of election preparedness, focusing on district-level administration and law enforcement readiness. Key areas reviewed included availability of Assured Minimum Facilities (AMF) at polling stations, Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) management, logistics, training of polling personnel, seizure monitoring, law and order mechanisms, and voter awareness initiatives. Special emphasis was placed on procedural transparency. Presiding Officers were instructed to provide signed copies of Form 17C — detailing the account of votes recorded — to all polling agents at the close of voting. They were also directed to ensure timely updates of voter turnout data on the ECINET application at two-hour intervals and after the conclusion of polling. District Election Officers were further directed to ensure that Voter Information Slips (VIS) are distributed to all electors at least five days prior to polling. Additionally, voter guides are to be delivered to every household. In a move to enhance inclusivity, the Chief Electoral Officer of Assam confirmed that Braille-enabled VIS will be issued for visually impaired voters. The Commission also reiterated that permissions for campaign-related activities, sought through the Suvidha module of ECINET, must be processed within 24 hours on a strictly first-come, first-served basis, maintaining complete impartiality. Given Assam’s unique geographical challenges, including numerous riverine polling stations, officials were instructed to ensure adequate safety equipment and robust rescue measures to safeguard both voters and polling personnel. The review signals the Election Commission’s firm commitment to ensuring a smooth, secure, and transparent electoral process in Assam as the state heads into a crucial electoral contest.