Guwahati, Feb 9: Elections to 80 municipal boards across Assam will be held on March 6, 2022 by adhering to the Election Commission of India (ECI) guidelines and COVID-19 protocols, the State Election Commission, Assam on Wednesday announced.
Addressing mediapersons here on Wednesday, state election commissioner Alok Kumar informed that electronic voting machines (EVMs) would be used in all the polling stations for the first time in the history of civic elections in Assam.
“The polling will take place on March 6 while counting of votes will take place on March 9. The last date for the filing of nominations for the polls is February 15, 2022 while the scrutiny of applications will be done on February 17, 2022. Nominations or candidatures will have to be withdrawn by February 20, 2022,” the state election commissioner (SEC) said.
The SEC said that adequate EVMs (5900 allotted) have been made available and all steps have been taken to ensure that the polls are conducted smoothly with the help of these machines.
“The model code of conduct shall come into force with immediate effect in the respective areas of the municipal boards,” Kumar said.
There are 977 wards or seats in the 80 municipal boards across the state.
“However, the subject of election to Silchar Municipal Board election is sub judice in Gauhati High Court and hence the election to Silchar Municipal Board has not yet been notified.” The SEC said.
According to the Commission, there will be 2054 polling booths during the polls while at least 20,000 to 25000 government personnel will have to be deployed for the execution of the polls.
Kumar said that the electoral photo identity card (EPIC) would be the main document in regard to identification of a voter.
However, any other identification documents such as Aadhaar card, MNREGA job card, passbook with photograph issued by bank/post office, health insurance smart card under schemes of the Union labour ministry, driving licence, PAN card, smart card issued by RGI under NPR, Indian passport, pension document with photograph, service identity card with photograph issued to employee by central/state governments, PSUs, public limited companies, etc can also be shown at the polling stations.
“The revised broad guidelines are available on the Commission’s website www.secassam.in. The Commission has issued directions to ban road shows, pad-yatras, cycle/bike/vehicle rallies and processions, and also fixed numbers permitted for physical public meetings, indoor meetings and door to door campaigning.
The Commission would, from time to time, review the situation of COVID-19 and issue directions in the matter.
“All stakeholders shall abide by the instructions. All concerned DCs/SDOs, political parties and candidates shall take all appropriate action/measures in compliance to these instructions,” a statement issued by the Commission said.