Guwahati, 29 April (HS): Chief Electoral Officer of Assam Anurag Goyal on Wednesday addressed a press conference at Janata Bhawan regarding preparations for vote counting, highlighting key aspects of the recently concluded Assembly elections in Assam.

Goyal described the election as “historic,” stating that such a high voter turnout has been recorded after nearly 30–35 years. He noted that the Election Commission and administration have made comprehensive arrangements to ensure a smooth and orderly electoral process.

A total of 722 candidates contested the elections, with over 2.5 crore voters deciding their fate. Voting was conducted across 31,486 polling stations, all equipped with webcasting facilities. To maintain law and order, 1,51,132 polling personnel were deployed along with police and CRPF forces.

Providing further details, Goyal said that out of the 722 candidates, 663 are male and 59 are female. Initially, 815 candidates had filed 1,389 nomination papers for 126 constituencies. After scrutiny, 789 candidates were found eligible and following the withdrawal of 67 candidates, 722 remained in the fray.

The total electorate in the state stands at 2,50,54,463, including 1,25,31,552 male voters, 1,25,22,593 female voters, and 318 third-gender voters. Additionally, there are 63,423 service voters. Among the electorate, 6,42,314 are in the 18–29 age group, while 2,50,006 are above 80 years of age and 2,05,085 are persons with disabilities.

Dalgaon constituency recorded the highest number of voters at 3,17,110, while Ameri had the lowest with 1,00,494 voters. Of the 126 constituencies, 98 are general, 9 are reserved for Scheduled Castes and 19 for Scheduled Tribes.

The highest number of candidates—15 each—contested from Algapur-Katlichera and South Karimganj constituencies, while nine constituencies had only two candidates each, including Rangia, Jagiroad (SC), Hojai, Nadua, Jonai (ST), Doomdooma, Mahmara, Thowra and Lakhimpur.

The CEO also emphasized that no victory processions will be allowed after the declaration of results. He informed that counting of votes will take place on May 4, while the term of the current Assembly will conclude on May 20.-----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash