Assam: CEO assures smooth conduct of Lok Sabha elections amidst delimitation concerns

Guwahati: Assam Chief Electoral Officer, Anurag Goel highlighting the challenges faced in preparing the voter list post-delimitation assured that the state is fully equipped to conduct the upcoming Lok Sabha elections fairly and transparently.

Speaking at a press conference, Goel acknowledged the complexity of the process of updating the electoral rolls following delimitation.

He noted that officials worked tirelessly from August to December last year, meticulously shifting voter details in the election commission software.

He added that no voter was inadvertently excluded from the updated list.

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The elections for all 14 Lok Sabha seats in Assam will be held in three phases on April 19, 26, and May 7, with vote counting scheduled for June 4. This election marks the first since the delimitation of constituencies last year.

In terms of election preparedness, Goel stated that the state is fully ready for the polls.

Sixty companies of central security forces have already been deployed, with additional reinforcements to be sent as required.

According to the voter list published last month, Assam has a total electoral strength of 2,43,01,960, including 1,21,22,188 female voters and 414 transgender individuals.

Notably, there are 4,854 voters aged above 100 years.

Goel mentioned that the process of including new names and making other changes to the voter list is ongoing, with the final version expected to be released in due course.

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He disclosed that there will be a total of 28,650 polling stations in the state, but declined to specify the number of sensitive booths.

To ensure transparency and accountability, webcasting arrangements will cover 55% of polling stations, while all vehicles transporting EVMs will be equipped with GPS-tracking devices.

Goel also outlined special provisions for inclusivity in polling stations, with 262 model polling stations, 1,409 managed solely by women, and at least one booth in each assembly constituency to be managed by persons with disabilities.

All necessary arrangements, including expenditure monitoring and personnel training, are being diligently addressed, Goel assured.