Election Commission of India Reviews Poll Preparedness for Forthcoming Assam Assembly Elections.
Guwahati:
The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Tuesday conducted a comprehensive review of preparations for the upcoming Legislative Assembly Elections in Assam, reaffirming its commitment to conducting free, fair and transparent polls in the state.
The review meeting was led by Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, accompanied by Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi during their two-day visit to Guwahati on February 17 and 18.
Extensive Consultation with Political Parties
On the first day of the visit, the Commission interacted with representatives of recognized 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, Asom Gana Parishad, United People’s Party Liberal and Bodoland People’s Front.
The Commission provided each party with an opportunity to present its views, concerns and suggestions to ensure the elections are conducted in an impartial and transparent manner.
A majority of political parties requested that polling be held in a single phase or, at most, in two phases. They also urged the Commission to consider the timing of the elections in view of the Bihu festival, an important cultural celebration in Assam.
Political parties generally appreciated the conduct of the Special Revision of the Electoral Rolls in the state and offered suggestions aimed at ensuring peaceful and orderly elections.
Review of Security and Administrative Preparedness
Following consultations with political stakeholders, the Commission held a detailed review meeting with senior administrative and police officials, including Inspectors General (IGs), Deputy Inspectors General (DIGs), District Election Officers (DEOs) and Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs).
The review covered all aspects of election preparedness, including election planning, Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) management, logistics, training of polling personnel, seizure monitoring, law and order arrangements, voter awareness campaigns and outreach activities.
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar emphasized that the elections must be conducted strictly in accordance with the Constitution, applicable laws and ECI guidelines. He directed DEOs, SSPs and the state administration to maintain complete impartiality and ensure swift redressal of complaints and grievances raised by political parties.
Focus on Voter Experience and Curbing Misinformation
The Commission also called for efforts to enhance the overall voting experience. Polling stations, it said, should be made festive, welcoming and voter-friendly to encourage greater participation.
In light of the growing role of digital platforms, all DEOs and Superintendents of Police were instructed to closely monitor social media for misinformation and fake news. Officials were directed to take prompt and appropriate legal action wherever necessary to prevent the spread of false information that could disrupt the electoral process.
The two-day review visit underscores the Commission’s proactive approach in ensuring that the forthcoming Assembly Elections in Assam are conducted peacefully, transparently and in strict adherence to democratic principles.
