Election Commission to Unveil Poll Schedule for Five Assemblies in Mid-March
Officials have confirmed that the Election Commission of India (ECI) is poised to announce the schedule for Assembly elections in West Bengal, Assam, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and the Union Territory of Puducherry around the middle of March. This announcement will set the stage for crucial democratic exercises across these regions.
Polling Expected in April with Multiple Phases
According to sources cited by news agency PTI, polling across the four states and one Union Territory is anticipated to occur on various dates in April. The ECI plans to declare the election dates for all five assemblies simultaneously in mid-March. However, voting is likely to be conducted in multiple phases, depending on the specific requirements and logistical considerations of each state.
The terms of these assemblies conclude at different times in May and June. The Puducherry Assembly's tenure ends on June 15, while the assemblies in Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal will see their terms conclude on May 20, May 23, May 10, and May 7, respectively.
ECI's Preparations and Electoral Roll Updates
The Election Commission has already initiated comprehensive preparations, with teams touring the poll-bound states to assess readiness. Currently, a team from the poll body is in Assam to review election preparedness. In previous Assembly elections, West Bengal witnessed polling in eight phases, the highest among these states, while Assam voted in two phases, and Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Puducherry had single-phase elections.
As part of the groundwork, final electoral rolls are being published following revision exercises. Puducherry led the way by publishing its final electoral roll on February 14 under the special intensive revision (SIR) of voter lists. Tamil Nadu is scheduled to release its post-SIR final roll, while Kerala will publish its final list on February 21. West Bengal's final voters' list is set for publication on February 28.
In Assam, where a special revision of electoral rolls was conducted instead of SIR, the final list was already published on February 10. These updates ensure that the electoral process is transparent and inclusive, paving the way for smooth and fair elections.
