Guwahati, March 16 (NationPress) Enhanced infrastructure and improved connectivity throughout Assam are pivotal in facilitating the upcoming Assembly elections to occur in a single phase, stated Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Anurag Goel on Monday.

During a press briefing following the Election Commission of India's announcement of the election schedule, Goel emphasized that the improved infrastructure—including upgraded road connectivity, new bridges, and a greater number of public buildings—has bolstered the authorities' confidence in conducting elections across all 126 constituencies on April 9.

“The advancements in infrastructure, along with the availability of buildings and bridges, have fostered our confidence in executing the elections in a single phase,” Goel remarked.

He noted that both civil administration and security agencies are thoroughly prepared to guarantee the smooth execution of the polls.

Inspector General of Police (Law and Order) Akhilesh Kumar Singh, serving as the chief security officer for the elections, mentioned that the law and order situation in Assam has significantly improved over the years.

Singh highlighted that the repeal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act in most areas of the state has played a crucial role in creating a more secure environment.

“Single-phase polling demands extensive planning and logistics. Compared to previous years, both civil and police administrations are now better equipped to facilitate a seamless electoral process,” Singh noted.

For the elections, Assam has requested 828 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), with 200 companies having already arrived.

Additionally, over 74,000 personnel from the Assam Police, including home guards, will be assigned to election duties.

Security measures have been reinforced throughout the state, with vigilant monitoring along inter-state and inter-district borders.

Officials reported that 134 border checkpoints have been established, where flying squads and stationary surveillance teams will maintain constant oversight.

Authorities also indicated that international borders will be sealed according to standard election protocols during the polling period.

To uphold law and order, security forces have intensified area domination exercises and confidence-building initiatives to ensure that voters can cast their ballots freely and without intimidation.

Officials are also implementing measures to curb the transportation of illegal liquor and other prohibited materials during the election period.

In a proactive step, the state CID has established a dedicated social media monitoring cell to identify fake news and AI-generated content that could threaten peace during the elections.

A dedicated helpline has been launched for the public to report such incidents.

Goel confirmed that the election notification has been issued following approval from the Governor, officially initiating the electoral process.

As per official data, Assam boasts more than 2.5 crore voters, with the largest demographic being the 20–29 age group, comprising over 66 lakh electors.

The state also has 2,482 centenarian voters and nearly 100,000 individuals above the age of 85, with over six lakh voters aged between 18 and 19.

A total of 31,486 polling stations have been designated across the state, with the CEO’s office requesting four additional auxiliary polling stations.

Dalgaon Assembly constituency has the highest electorate count with over three lakh voters, while Amri has the fewest, with just over one lakh.

More than 1.5 lakh civil polling personnel will be deployed during the election process, along with micro-observers and sector officers.

For the first time in Assam, the ballot papers on Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) will feature colored photographs of candidates, and comprehensive webcasting will be implemented at polling stations.

Mobile phone deposit facilities will also be accessible at polling stations to ensure the confidentiality of voting.