TINSUKIA: The government of Assam has declared public holidays on May 2 and May 7 in anticipation of the forthcoming Panchayat elections. On these specified dates, all government and private offices, educational institutions, and commercial establishments will be closed.
The elections will take place in two distinct phases across 27 of the 34 districts in the state. The first phase of voting is set for May 2 and will include the districts of Tinsukia, Dibrugarh, Charaideo, Sivasagar, Majuli, Jorhat, Golaghat, Dhemaji, Lakhimpur, Sonitpur, Bishwanath, Cachar, Hailakandi, and Sribhumi. The second phase, occurring on May 7, will encompass the districts of Dhubri, South Salmara, Goalpara, Bongaigaon, Barpeta, Bajali, Nalbari, Kamrup, Kamrup (Metro), Hojai, Nagaon, Morigaon, and Darrang.
A total of 1,80,36,682 voters are eligible to participate in the elections, which will be held at 25,007 polling stations, reflecting a 13.27% increase in voter eligibility compared to the last Panchayat elections conducted in December 2018. These elections will determine various local positions, including members of the gram panchayat, as well as presidents and vice presidents.
Polling hours for both phases have been established from 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM, with the counting of votes scheduled for May 11, starting at 8 AM and continuing until the process is completed. Notably, the elections will utilize paper ballots, as the Assam State Election Commission lacks sufficient electronic voting machines (EVMs) to facilitate the voting process.
