HT Bureau
DIPHU/HAMREN, March 20: As the state moves toward the single-phase General Assam Legislative Assembly Election on April 9, 2026, administrative preparations in the Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong districts have entered a critical phase. Key observers have arrived to oversee the process and specific directives for media personnel and political campaigning have been issued.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has stationed three high-level observers for the constituencies of 108-Bokajan (ST), 109-Howraghat (ST) and 110-Diphu (ST). These officials will ensure the conduct of free and fair elections and will also address grievances from the public and political organisations.
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The observers are available in Room No 1, Old Building, Circuit House, Diphu, from 10 AM to 12 noon on all weekdays until April 8. The observers include General Observer S Sivarasu, IAS (7637050026), Police Observer Dharavath Pradeep Kumar (7637050028) and Expenditure Observer G Kannan, IRS (7637050015).
In West Karbi Anglong, the District Election Officer (DEO) has outlined procedures for media professionals to exercise their franchise through postal ballot. Media personnel must submit Form 12D, which can be collected, filled and submitted at the Postal Ballot Cell at the DC Office, Hamren, on or before March 21, 2026. Media persons registered in other districts but working in West Karbi Anglong can also apply at the Hamren cell for necessary arrangements. The schedule for casting these votes will be notified by the DEO after completion of the nomination phase.
The district administration has also enforced strict ECI guidelines regarding the Media Certification and Monitoring Committee (MCMC) to curb paid news and misinformation. All political advertisements on TV, radio, social media, e-papers and bulk SMS must be approved by the MCMC before broadcast. Candidates are required to declare their authentic social media handles in their affidavits during nomination.
Political parties must also submit a detailed statement of digital campaign expenses, including content creation and advertisements, within 75 days of the election’s conclusion. The ECI is working in coordination with IT nodal officers and social media platforms to take immediate action against fake news.
