Guwahati: Assam is ready to hold its 2026 Legislative Assembly elections in a single phase on April 9, with authorities aiming to ensure smooth, safe, and transparent polling across all 126 constituencies.
Chief Electoral Officer Anurag Goel said the state administration has completed all necessary arrangements, and different departments are working together to make sure voting proceeds smoothly.
Officials from the central government are stationed across the state to keep track of security and election spending during the polls.
The state's electorate totals 2,50,54,463, who will choose among 722 candidates. The voter base includes 1,25,31,552 men, 1,25,22,593 women, 318 voters classified as 'others,' and 63,423 service voters.
To increase transparency, all polling stations have been equipped with live webcasting. The state has 31,490 polling booths, including 31,486 main stations and 4 auxiliary booths, all of which will be watched in real time from the offices of District Election Officers, the Chief Electoral Officer, and the Election Commission.
To keep polling orderly, personnel from the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) have been deployed across the state.
Authorities have ensured that every polling station offers basic facilities, including drinking water, seating areas, toilets, and access for voters with disabilities. Additional measures include places for voters to sit while in line and areas to keep mobile phones safely during voting.
A total of 1,51,132 polling staff have been assigned to stations across the state. The Election Commission has prepared 41,320 ballot units, 43,975 control units, and 43,997 VVPAT machines, with spare equipment kept ready for emergencies. Extra personnel are also on standby to handle unexpected situations.
The voters include a broad mix of demographics, with 6,42,314 first-time voters aged 18-19, 2,50,006 voters above 80 years, and 2,05,085 voters with disabilities.
Under the Representation of the People Act, 1951, citizens aged 85 and above and voters with disabilities have the option to cast their vote by postal ballot from home. So far, 26,032 senior citizens and 8,373 voters with disabilities have used this facility.
Goel encouraged all eligible voters to take part in the election and make use of their right to vote.