Guwahati (Assam), March 16: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced the assignment of five Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs) across Assam to ensure a smooth electoral process for the upcoming Assembly elections scheduled for April 9. The ECI has instructed that these postings be executed immediately, with a compliance report regarding the officers’ joining to be submitted by March 17. The officers named include Somalin Shubhdarshini (IPS), designated for Majuli; R Sheetal Kumar (IPS), assigned to South Salmara; Anchal Chauhan (IPS), appointed to Sadiya; Sudhakar Singh (IPS), who will serve in Chirang; and Mohan Lal Meena (IPS-2016), posted to Dhemaji.

Special Observer Appointed for Poll Monitoring

In conjunction with the SSP postings, the ECI has appointed retired IAS officer Manjeet Singh as the Special Observer for the Assam elections. The Commission’s communication stated that Singh is required to travel to Assam periodically to assess the election preparations and the conduct of the legislative assembly elections in 2026. His observations and inputs will be relayed to the Commission for necessary actions. Singh’s coordination will be with the Chief Electoral Officer of Assam, who will provide the required materials and logistical support.

Enforcement of Model Code of Conduct

The Election Commission has issued strict instructions for the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) applicable to the general elections and bye-elections across six states. The MCC will come into effect immediately, as indicated in the formal notice directed to the Chief Secretary and Chief Electoral Officers of the relevant state and union territories. The MCC guidelines emphasize that the privacy of citizens must be respected, prohibiting demonstrations outside private residences. Additionally, it is mandated that no flags, banners, or posters may be displayed on private properties without the owner’s consent.

Details of the Upcoming Elections

The elections in Assam will take place across all 126 assembly constituencies on April 9, with the counting of votes set for May 4. The electoral contest will mainly be between the current ruling party, the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), and the Congress party. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s BJP government aims to secure a third consecutive term, while the Congress seeks to reclaim power. In the previous elections held in 2021, the NDA coalition, which includes the BJP, Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), and United People’s Party Liberal (UPPL), won 75 seats, with the BJP emerging as the largest member of the alliance with 60 seats. Voter turnout during the 2021 elections reached an impressive 86.2 percent, with over 2.2 crore registered voters participating.

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