Election Commission of India Finalizes EVM Setup for 2026 Assam Elections
Synopsis
The Election Commission of India has successfully completed the commissioning of Electronic Voting Machines for the 2026 Assam Legislative Assembly elections, ensuring transparency and readiness for the upcoming polls. This milestone emphasizes the ECI's commitment to conducting free and fair elections.
Key Takeaways
41,320 Ballot Units and 43,975 Control Units commissioned.
Transparency ensured with candidates present during the process.
Significant seizures of contraband totaling Rs 97 crore .
Commitment to free and fair elections reinforced.
Election scheduled for April 9, 2026 .
New Delhi, April 5 (NationPress) The Election Commission of India (ECI) announced on Sunday the successful completion of the commissioning process for Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) configured with candidate settings for the upcoming 2026 Assam Legislative Assembly elections. This process has been carried out across all 126 Assembly constituencies in the state.
For the elections scheduled on April 9, over 41,000 ballot units will be in use, as per an official announcement.
The commissioning exercise took place from March 31 to April 4 at specific locations designated by the respective District Election Officers.
This procedure was conducted in the presence of contesting candidates or their authorized representatives, ensuring complete transparency and compliance with established guidelines, according to the statement.
Engineers and technical experts from the Electronics Corporation of India Ltd. (ECIL) supported the commissioning to guarantee accuracy, reliability, and correct configuration of the machines.
A total of 41,320 Ballot Units (BU), 43,975 Control Units (CU), and 43,997 Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) units have been set up for the elections. This includes reserve machines to be used as necessary across 31,490 polling stations in Assam.
The successful completion of this commissioning process is a critical milestone in election preparations, underscoring the Election Commission’s dedication to conducting free, fair, and transparent elections.
In related news, the ECI reported that flying squads and surveillance teams have confiscated Rs 4 crore in cash in the state ahead of the election.
Additionally, 6,84,627 litres of liquor valued at Rs 20 crore has also been seized in Assam.
As of April 5, the ECI has reported the confiscation of drugs worth Rs 56 crore, precious metals valued at Rs 4 crore, and other items totaling Rs 13 crore. The overall value of cash, contraband, and freebies recovered in Assam thus far amounts to Rs 97 crore.
The Commission has conducted several review meetings with Chief Secretaries, Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs), Directors General of Police (DGPs), and senior officials from the five states/UTs heading to polls, along with leaders of enforcement agencies, directing them to ensure elections are violence-free, intimidation-free, and inducement-free.
Point of View
The completion of the EVM commissioning process in Assam is a pivotal development in the electoral landscape. It reflects the ECI's unwavering commitment to uphold democratic principles through transparent and fair election practices. The measures taken to ensure integrity and accountability in the electoral process are commendable.
NationPress
12 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of commissioning Electronic Voting Machines?
The commissioning of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) involves configuring them with candidate settings to ensure they are ready for use in elections, thereby enhancing the integrity and efficiency of the voting process.
When are the Assam Legislative Assembly elections scheduled?
The Assam Legislative Assembly elections are scheduled for April 9, 2026.
How many polling stations are there in Assam for this election?
There are a total of 31,490 polling stations in Assam for the upcoming elections.
What measures are in place to ensure transparency during the elections?
The ECI conducts the commissioning process in the presence of candidates or their representatives, adhering to strict guidelines to ensure transparency and accountability.
What has been seized in Assam leading up to the elections?
In the lead-up to the elections, authorities have seized a total of Rs 97 crore worth of cash, liquor, drugs, precious metals, and other freebies.
