Guwahati, February 17 – The Election Commission of India (ECI) conducted a thorough review of preparations for the upcoming Assam Legislative Assembly elections on Tuesday, with Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar and Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi holding extensive discussions with political parties and senior officials in Guwahati.
This 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 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 (AIUDF), Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), United People’s Party Liberal, and the Bodoland People’s Front.
The Commission provided each political party with the opportunity to express their views, concerns, and suggestions, with a focus on ensuring that the upcoming Assembly elections are conducted in a transparent, fair, and impartial manner.
According to the ECI, the majority of political parties favored holding the elections in a single phase or, at most, in two phases. The parties also urged the Commission to consider the Bihu festival while scheduling the election dates.
During the interactions, political parties generally appreciated 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 emphasized 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 that 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.
