GUWAHATI, Jan 29: Amidst preparations for the 2026 Assam Legislative Assembly elections, the first-level checking (FLC) of electronic voting machines (EVMs) and voter verifiable paper audit trail (VVPAT) units has been completed in 34 districts.
“The FLC of EVMs and VVPAT units has been successfully completed in 34 districts, except in Tamulpur district,” a statement issued by the office of the chief electoral officer, Assam, here on Thursday, said.
The exercise was conducted during the period from December 11, 2025 to January 9, 2026, strictly in accordance with the instructions, guidelines, and standard operating procedures issued by the Election Commission of India, and in the presence of representatives of recognised political parties, thereby ensuring due transparency and procedural compliance.
“Consequent upon the completion of the FLC, a total of 43,348 ballot units, 36,113 control units (CU), and 45,332 VVPAT units have been checked and found fit for deployment across the state,” the statement said.
The FLC for Tamulpur district is proposed to be conducted tentatively by February 18, 2026.
“Further, since the machines were found to be inadequate during the first round of the FLC, supplementary FLC will also be required in almost all the districts which will also be conducted tentatively by the same time,” it said.
After the completion of the FLC, Assam is expected to be ready in regard to EVM and VVPAT availability for the conduct of the Assembly elections, scheduled to be held in March-April this year.
