The pause in political activity now sets the stage for over 2.5 crore voters to decide the fate of candidates contesting across 126 Assembly constituencies on April 9.

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As per official data, Assam has a total of 2,50,21,413 electors as of March 15, including 1,25,16,591 male voters, 1,25,04,501 female voters, and 321 third gender voters. This marks an increase of over 1.64 lakh voters compared to the final electoral roll published in February. The state also has a significant number of young voters, with over 6.28 lakh electors in the 18–19 age group and more than 66.5 lakh voters in the 20–29 age bracket, making youth participation a crucial factor in this election.

The electoral contest this year has also witnessed participation from a substantial number of candidates. According to official figures, a total of 722 candidates have been accounted after scrutiny of the nominations filed. Out of that 662 candidates are male and 60 female.

Polling will be conducted across 31,486 polling stations, with over 1.5 lakh polling personnel, 3,591 micro observers, and nearly 75,000 security personnel deployed to ensure smooth and fair elections. The Election Commission has also ensured sufficient availability of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and VVPATs, exceeding the required numbers.

The elections will decide representatives for 126 Assembly seats spread across 35 districts of Assam, covering a diverse landscape of urban centres, rural belts, tea garden areas, and tribal regions. Political parties intensified their outreach in recent weeks, focusing on key issues such as unemployment, price rise, flood management, infrastructure, and welfare schemes.

The silent period, enforced under Section 126 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, prohibits all forms of campaigning, including public meetings, rallies, processions, and even digital outreach through social media. The Election Commission has also directed that political workers brought from outside constituencies must leave immediately to maintain a neutral environment for voters.

Across the state, the election has also seen a notable rise in participation from women voters, with female electors nearly matching male voters in number. Additionally, there are over 2.04 lakh persons with disabilities (PwD) registered as voters, for whom special arrangements have been made to ensure accessibility.

Service electors, including members of the armed forces, also form an important segment, with over 63,000 registered voters. The state also has more than 1.02 lakh voters aged 85 and above, and nearly 2,500 centenarian voters, reflecting a wide demographic spread.

As campaigning concludes, political parties have made their final appeals, highlighting their achievements and criticising opponents. However, with the silent period now in effect, no further campaigning is permitted, and voters are expected to make their decisions independently.

Authorities have assured that adequate security arrangements are in place, and all necessary measures have been taken to ensure free, fair, and peaceful polling. The focus now shifts entirely to the electorate, whose mandate will determine the political future of the state.

As Assam enters this crucial phase, the energy of weeks-long campaigning gives way to a period of quiet anticipation. From the flood-prone villages to the rapidly expanding urban centres, voters across the state are preparing to exercise their democratic right on April 9, in what is expected to be a closely watched electoral contest.