Guwahati : As Assam prepares for a single-phase Assembly election on April 9, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has intensified its push for a secure and transparent polling process, urging voters to participate without fear.

In a comprehensive review of poll preparedness, the Commission held a virtual meeting with District Election Officers (DEOs), Superintendents of Police (SPs), and senior administrative officials across the state. The session focused on evaluating law and order arrangements, logistical readiness, and coordination among agencies tasked with conducting the elections.

The review follows earlier directions from Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, who had stressed that the electoral process must remain “violence-free, intimidation-free, and inducement-free,” ensuring voters can exercise their franchise in a peaceful and festive environment.

Officials carried out a detailed assessment of district-level preparations, including the availability of assured minimum facilities at polling stations, management of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), deployment of security personnel, and ongoing voter awareness initiatives. Law enforcement readiness, including preventive measures and seizure actions, was also examined closely.

To enhance transparency, the Commission has issued clear directives to polling personnel. Presiding Officers have been instructed to provide polling agents with signed copies of Form 17C – the official account of votes recorded – at the close of voting. Additionally, voter turnout data must be uploaded on the ECINET application at regular two-hour intervals and after polling concludes.

The ECI has also directed officials to ensure timely distribution of Voter Information Slips to all electors at least five days before polling, along with voter guides for each household. Special provisions, including Braille-enabled slips, will be made available to facilitate participation of visually impaired voters.

In a bid to maintain a level playing field during campaigning, authorities have been asked to process permission requests submitted through the Suvidha portal within 24 hours on a “first come, first served” basis, while adhering strictly to principles of neutrality.

Given Assam’s challenging geography, particularly in riverine and remote areas, the Commission has placed additional emphasis on safety arrangements at vulnerable polling stations. Officials have been instructed to ensure adequate rescue and emergency response mechanisms in such locations.

Polling across all 126 Assembly constituencies will take place on April 9, with counting of votes scheduled for May 4. The Commission reiterated its commitment to conducting free, fair, and peaceful elections, calling on voters to turn out in large numbers and uphold the democratic process.