STAFF REPORTER
GUWAHATI, Feb 16: A full bench of the Election Commission of India (ECI), led by Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, arrived in Assam on Monday on a three-day visit to review preparedness for the upcoming 2026 Assembly elections, officials said.
The CEC is accompanied by Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi.
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They were received at Guwahati by Assam chief electoral officer Anurag Goel.
Soon after their arrival, the ECI team began a series of engagements with senior state officials, including the chief secretary, home secretary, director general of police, election authorities and police nodal officers.
The Commission is holding detailed review meetings on voter list revision, law and order preparedness, deployment of security forces, polling infrastructure, and the availability of electronic voting machines and VVPATs.
Officials said special focus is also being given to preparations for remote and riverine polling stations, particularly in flood-prone and border areas, to ensure smooth conduct of elections.
Discussions are also being held on training of polling personnel, strengthening grievance redressal mechanisms, curbing the influence of money and muscle power, and enhancing voter participation.
During the visit, the Commission will meet district election officers, superintendents of police and representatives of recognised national and state political parties to address their concerns and ensure a level playing field.
The ECI delegation is scheduled to address the media on February 18 before concluding the visit.
Elections to the 126-member Assam Assembly are expected to be held in March–April, with the term of the current Assembly ending on May 20.
