CEC Gyanesh Kumar reviews Assam poll prep; EVMs get voter-friendly upgrades
CEC Gyanesh Kumar reviews Assam poll prep; EVMs get voter-friendly upgrades
CEC Gyanesh Kumar visits Assam to review readiness for 2026 elections, highlighting updated rolls and new EVM features to enhance voter experience.
The Chief Election Commissioner, Gyanesh Kumar, spent two days in Assam to review poll preparedness ahead of the 2026 state assembly elections and to outline a series of voter-centric measures designed to streamline the voting process. In Guwahati, he met election officials and first-time voters, signaling the commission’s hands-on approach to ensuring a smooth election season. He highlighted the importance of a well-structured electoral framework capable of handling Assam’s diverse electorate.
Assam’s 126 Assembly constituencies are divided into 98 General seats, 19 reserved for Scheduled Tribes, and 9 reserved for Scheduled Castes, a mix that requires careful logistical planning to balance representation with practical administration. The briefing stressed that accurate delimitation and targeted outreach remain priorities as preparations intensify.
A central focus of the visit was the Special Revision of the electoral rolls. The draft roll originally recorded 2.52 crore voters; after meticulous verification, claims verification, and necessary deletions or additions, the final electoral roll stands at 2.49 crore electors. The commission underscored that the revision aims to ensure every eligible voter is included while keeping ineligible names out, safeguarding the integrity of the process.
On the technology front, the CEC announced upgrades to Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) designed to improve the voter experience. This time, coloured photos of all contesting candidates will be prominently displayed on the EVMs, intended to reduce confusion at booths and help voters locate their preferred candidates more easily. The initiative aligns with ongoing efforts to modernize election administration and strengthen transparency at every polling station.
The visit also touched on the NRC context, with officials noting that Assam is a state where NRC work is near completion. The Special Revision is therefore particularly crucial, serving as a final verification layer to align rolls with the NRC process and to maintain credibility in the run-up to 2026.
As Assam gears up for the next electoral cycle, the overall tone is one of cautious optimism: enhanced equipment, clearer candidate visuals, and a robust, inclusive voter list are all part of a broader push to boost participation and trust in the democratic process.
