9.10 lakh voters to decide the fate of 34 candidates in 5 assembly seats of Assam

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaNovember 12, 2024

The stage is set for by-elections in Assam’s five assembly constituencies—Dholai, Sidli, Bongaigaon, Behali, and Samaguri—with voting scheduled for Wednesday. Polling personnel and election materials were dispatched on Tuesday to prepare for the arrival of 9,10,665 registered voters, who will decide the outcome for 34 candidates across 1,078 polling stations. Voting will be open from 7 am to 5 pm.

Among the electorate, special provisions have been made for 2,796 service voters, 4,197 persons with disabilities (PwD), and 3,788 elderly voters aged 85 and above. Samaguri stands out as the most competitive, fielding 11 candidates. The by-election is being regarded as a “semi-final” in anticipation of the 2026 Assam assembly elections.

Chief Electoral Officer Anurag Goel provided an update, noting that 9,000 polling personnel and 13 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) have been mobilized to ensure a secure voting process. To enhance transparency, approximately 55% of polling booths will have live webcasting, while others will be monitored by on-ground staff.

In Samaguri, a total of 868 polling personnel, with 12 general observers, 27 sector officers, and 72 micro-observers, departed from the Nagaon district headquarters. Notably, two all-women polling stations will operate at Amabagan Higher Secondary School, while the remaining 195 stations will be staffed by male personnel.

In Behali constituency, 744 presiding and polling officers were assigned to 154 polling stations, with 150 vehicles used to transport Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).

In Sidli constituency, 1,224 polling personnel were deployed to 273 polling stations, overseen by 31 sector officers and 11 zonal officers. The constituency has 2,17,236 registered voters, with 1,09,308 female, 1,07,924 male, and 4 third-gender voters.

In Bongaigaon seat, 1,078 presiding and polling officials, along with 700 security personnel, departed for 246 polling stations, with EVMs transported via 234 vehicles. This constituency will feature two women-led polling stations and three model polling stations.

All arrangements, including security and polling oversight, have been established to facilitate a smooth election process across the constituencies.