Several political parties in Assam on Tuesday urged the Election Commission of India to conduct the forthcoming state Assembly elections in a single phase or, at most, two phases, citing administrative convenience, voter turnout and the state’s cultural calendar.
The demand was placed during the Commission’s interaction with representatives of national and regional parties as part of its visit to review poll preparedness in the state. Leaders from the Bharatiya Janata Party, Indian National Congress, Aam Aadmi Party, Communist Party of India (Marxist), along with regional outfits such as the All India United Democratic Front, Asom Gana Parishad, Bodoland People’s Front and the United People’s Party Liberal, were present at the meeting.
Party representatives argued that fewer phases would help streamline logistics, reduce the prolonged deployment of security forces and election officials, and encourage higher voter participation. Several leaders also requested the Commission to finalise the poll schedule keeping in mind Bohag Bihu, Assam’s major cultural festival, to ensure that election activities do not disrupt celebrations or affect turnout.
During the discussions, some parties raised concerns related to the recent special revision of electoral rolls. The Congress flagged alleged instances of names being wrongly deleted or marked incorrectly and sought corrective measures to ensure an error-free voters’ list. Other parties, however, expressed general satisfaction with the revision exercise.
The Election Commission assured stakeholders that all representations would be examined carefully and reiterated its commitment to conducting free, fair and transparent elections. The Assam Assembly elections are due in early 2026, with the term of the current House ending in May.
The Commission’s visit is part of its routine pre-election review, covering law and order, security deployment, voter awareness measures and overall administrative preparedness across the state.
- Log in to post comments
