In a move aimed at enhancing transparency ahead of the 2026 elections, the Election Commission of India (ECI)has enabled voters to access detailed background information about candidates through its digital platform, ECINET.
The initiative comes as multiple states, including Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and the Union Territory of Puducherry, gear up for Assembly elections, alongside bypolls in several other states. Polling for Assam and some other regions is scheduled for April 9.
As per official data, a total of 1,955 candidates are contesting in theLegislative Assembly elections in Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry, as well as in select by-elections. Meanwhile, the nomination process is underway in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, with key deadlines for withdrawal of candidature falling in April.
Through ECINET’s “Know Your Candidate” (KYC) feature, voters can now easily access crucial details about contestants, including their educational qualifications, criminal records, financial assets, liabilities, and verified social media profiles. The platform also allows users to download the affidavits submitted by candidates during nomination.
The ECINET system integrates more than 40 applications and portals developed by the Election Commission, offering a unified digital interface for electoral services. Officials describe it as one of the most comprehensive election management platforms globally, designed to simplify voter access to information and services.
In addition to candidate details, ECINET provides a wide range of voter-centric services such as registration, electoral roll search, application tracking, and direct communication with election officials. It also includes tools for grievance redressal and reporting violations, strengthening accountability during the election process.
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