Guwahati: The Election Commission of India on Wednesday, March 25, brought together senior administrative and police officials in Assam for a detailed briefing and hands-on training exercise ahead of the state’s Assembly elections scheduled on April 9.
Participants included District Election Officers, police chiefs and other senior functionaries involved in poll management.
At the meeting, the Commission underlined its priority of creating a safe and neutral voting environment where citizens can take part in the electoral process without any pressure, fear or external influence.
Officials reviewed preparations across multiple areas, including security planning, movement and placement of personnel, transport arrangements, handling of voting machines and readiness of polling teams.
Instructions were also issued to ensure that every polling booth is equipped with essential voter facilities.
To strengthen accountability during voting, Presiding Officers have been asked to follow clear procedures, such as handing over duly signed records of votes cast (Form 17C) to polling agents once voting is over.
Authorities must also keep updating voter participation figures on the ECINET platform at regular intervals throughout polling hours and after the process ends.
In an effort to encourage higher voter turnout, local election officers have been directed to deliver voter slips to individuals well in advance, along with basic guidance material for households.
The Commission added that specially designed slips will be made available for visually impaired voters. It also instructed that applications from candidates and political parties for campaign-related permissions via the Suvidha system should be handled quickly, within a day, while maintaining fairness.
Due to the state’s difficult terrain, especially in areas near rivers, officials have been told to stay prepared for any emergencies and ensure proper safety arrangements.