Guwahati: Several political parties in Assam urged the Election Commission of India (ECI) to conduct the upcoming Assembly elections in either a single phase or a maximum of two phases. The request was presented to the full bench of ECI during separate meetings with national and regional parties held in Guwahati on Tuesday as part of its readiness for the state polls.
A full bench of the ECI, led by Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, is on a two-day visit to the State to review preparedness for the Assembly elections. The delegation includes Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi, along with Assam Chief Electoral Officer Anurag Goel.
According to the ECI, National parties like the Aam Aadmi Party, Bharatiya Janata Party, Communist Party of India (Marxist) and Indian National Congress participated in the meetings.
Regional parties, including the All India United Democratic Front, Asom Gana Parishad, Bodoland People’s Front and the United People’s Party Liberal, also held discussions with the Commission.
The ECI statement also said that most of the parties demanded that the polls be conducted “in a single phase or a maximum of two phases” to ensure administrative convenience and voter participation.
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Parties also urged the Commission to refrain from scheduling the elections during Bohag Bihu, which is one of Assam’s most important festivals.
Political parties, in general, appreciated the conduct of the “Special Revision of the electoral rolls” in Assam. They also offered suggestions to ensure the peaceful conduct of elections in the state.
According to the statement, following the interaction with political parties, the Commission held a detailed review with the IGs, DIGs, DEOs and SSPs on every aspect of election planning, EVM management, logistics, training of election staff, seizures, law and order, voter awareness and outreach activities.
The Commission directed all DEOs, SSPs, state administration officials to act with complete impartiality and ensure prompt resolution of complaints and grievances raised by political parties.
It further directed polling stations be made voter-friendly, welcoming, and vibrant to create a positive voting experience.
Additionally, all DEOs and SPs were asked to monitor social media for misinformation and take legal action whenever necessary.
