Assam Assembly Elections 2026: Security and Counting Measures Detailed Ahead of Results
Security and Counting Arrangements for Assam Assembly Elections
File image of Assam Chief Electoral Officer Anurag Goel at a press conference in Guwahati's Janata Bhawan (Photo: X)
Guwahati, April 29: With the counting of votes for the Assam Assembly elections scheduled for May 4, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has outlined comprehensive security and counting protocols.
During a press briefing at Lok Seva Bhawan in Guwahati, Chief Electoral Officer Anurag Goel emphasized that the strong rooms housing Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) are under constant CCTV surveillance and are protected by Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) along with state police.
Goel stated, “We are closely monitoring the strong rooms with adequate CCTV coverage. Candidates and election agents can inspect the strong room doors if they wish.”
He mentioned that he personally oversaw the establishment of strong rooms in 34 districts of Assam, excluding Majuli, and has reviewed the counting arrangements in 11 districts thus far.
Counting will take place at all 35 district headquarters, with 40 counting centers established statewide.
The ECI has assigned 126 counting observers from various states for each Assembly constituency, expected to arrive by May 1 or 2.
“We are deploying approximately 5,981 officials for the counting process statewide. Around 2,348 micro observers will monitor the counting officials to ensure accuracy, reporting directly to the observers,” he added.
Regarding security, Goel noted that 25 companies of CAPF have been stationed for strong room security since the polling date on April 9 and will remain until the EVMs are returned to warehouses post-counting.
“There are nearly 13 companies and one platoon of state armed police in the second cadre. Additionally, we will deploy 800 unarmed police personnel at strong room sites on May 4,” he explained.
Moreover, two companies of CRPF are assigned to static duty in Guwahati Metro, alongside 93 companies of Assam State Armed Police in various districts and 85 assault group commanders at sensitive locations.
To prevent potential conflicts between opposing political factions following the results announcement, the ECI has instructed district administrations to issue advisories limiting victory processions and public gatherings.
“We have requested regulations and restrictions on victory processions and gatherings to prevent unnecessary clashes between political party factions,” Goel stated.
On the topic of postal ballots, he reported that 119,463 postal ballots have already been submitted statewide, while service voters' ballots will continue to be accepted through the postal department until 7:59 am on May 4.
Goel also indicated that the final results might be delayed this time.
“The final results could be postponed until late evening as the ECI has mandated counting all VVPAT slips, regardless of the margin between candidates,” he noted.
Highlighting the overall electoral process, Goel revealed that Assam achieved nearly 86 percent voter turnout in this Assembly election, marking the highest in recent years.
“In 2016, the turnout was 84.64 percent, and in 2021 it dropped to 82.02 percent. This time, it has surged to almost 86 percent,” he concluded.