Silchar: Preparations for the Assam Legislative Assembly elections 2026 gathered pace in Cachar district with the commencement of the first-level checking of Electronic Voting Machines and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail units in Silchar.

The process began at the EVM and VVPAT warehouse on Club Road and will continue from December 11 to December 23, 2025, between 9 am and 7 pm each day. The exercise is being carried out under tight security and close monitoring, in line with guidelines laid down by the Election Commission of India.

District Election Officer of Cachar, Mridul Yadav, IAS, briefed representatives of recognised political parties on the standard operating procedures governing the checking process. He said the exercise is being conducted strictly in the presence of authorised election officials and political party representatives to ensure transparency and accountability at every stage.

The opening of the warehouse and inspection of stored machines is being undertaken jointly with all stakeholders present. To regulate entry and maintain security, authorised political party representatives are being issued separate identity cards, without which access to the premises is not permitted.

The District Election Officer also informed party representatives that as per ECI norms, absence from the FLC process for three consecutive days would invite a formal notice to the concerned party.

During the checking, defective EVMs and VVPATs are being marked with red stickers, while functional machines are identified with green stickers. Pink paper seals are being signed jointly by political party representatives and election officials.

As an additional confidence-building measure, five per cent of the machines are being randomly selected for an extended test run, involving a higher number of votes cast under simulated polling conditions.

After completion of the process, all functional machines will be securely locked and stored in the warehouse or strong room in the presence of election officials and party representatives. Defective units will be sent back to Hyderabad as per Election Commission guidelines after receiving the necessary instructions.

Officials also informed that only three mobile phones, strictly for scanning purposes, are allowed inside the premises to maintain discipline and security. The entire first-level checking process is being webcast live and monitored by the Chief Electoral Officer, Assam, and the Election Commission of India.

The district administration reiterated its commitment to conducting the Assembly elections in a free, fair, and transparent manner, with strict adherence to all statutory procedures.