Assam recorded 82.04% overall voter turnout in the State Assembly election 2021, polling for which was held in three phases – March 27, April 1 and April 7, said Election Commission officials on Wednesday.

The final voter turnout in the third phase of the polling, held on April 7, was 85.20%, which was the highest polling percentage out of the three phases of this year’s Assam Assembly election.

While the final voter turnout in the second phase of polling in Assam was 80.96% the final percentage of polling recorded in the first phase of the Assam Assembly election 2021 was 79.97%.

Also read: Assam Assembly elections: Final phase records over 82% turnout

In the third phase, voting was held in 11,401 polling stations in 40 Assembly constituencies across 12 districts.

The total number of eligible voters in this phase of the Assam Assembly election was 79,19,641.

In the third phase, the number of voters, aged over 80 years, was 99,471 while the number of PWD electors was 54,148.

The total value of the seized items including cash and drugs till April 6, 2021 was Rs 119.29 crore.

Also read: 5 Assam Police personnel suspended for firing in Sonai during second phase of Assam Assembly election

The number of polling stations increased in view of the fact that the number of voters per polling station has been reduced from 1500 to 1000 keeping social distancing norms in view.

To ensure inclusive and accessible elections, the Election Commission of India (ECI) extended the option of postal ballot facility to PwDs, senior citizens above the age of 80 years, COVID19 suspect or affected persons and persons employed in essential services.

Also read: Second phase of Assam Assembly Election: Final voter turnout is 80.96%

The observers at the ground level oversaw that proper arrangements for facilitation were made available for these voters.

As per standard procedure, all the EVMs and VVPATs had undergone first level checking, randomisation, and commissioning in the presence of political parties/candidates agents.

As a major push for conducting free and fair elections, live monitoring and webcasting of more than 50% of polling stations including critical and vulnerable polling booths has been put in place as per ECI norms, to ensure safe and secure atmosphere in polling areas.

Commission, CEOs, DEOs, observers could watch live streaming and keep a close watch on these polling booths.

All the polling stations followed COVID19 safety protocols, the Commission said.

The Election Commission of India has expressed gratitude to all stakeholders specially the voters for their enthusiastic and fearless participation in the election process.