Assam: Municipal Election to 80 boards to be held on March 6

The State Election Commission of Assam announced on Wednesday that elections to 80 municipal boards across the state will be held on March 6, 2022, in accordance with the Election Commission of India (ECI) norms and COVID-19 protocols.

State election commissioner Alok Kumar told reporters here on Wednesday that electronic voting machines (EVMs) would be utilized at all polling stations for the first time in Assam's history of civic elections.

"On March 6, voters will be polled, and the results will be counted on March 9." Nominations for the elections must be submitted by February 15, 2022, and applications will be scrutinised on February 17, 2022. By February 20, 2022, all nominations and candidacies must be withdrawn, according to the state election commissioner (SEC). In the 80 municipal boards across the state, there are 977 wards or seats.

"However, the election to the Silchar Municipal Board is still pending in the Gauhati High Court, hence the election to the Silchar Municipal Board has yet to be notified." According to the SEC.

According to the Commission, there will be 2054 voting booths during the elections, and at least 20,000 to 25000 government people would be needed to carry them out.

According to Kumar, the electoral photo identity card (EPIC) will be the primary document used to identify voters. Any other identification documents, such as an Aadhaar card, MNREGA job card, bank/post office passbook with photograph, health insurance smart card under Union labour ministry schemes, driving licence, PAN card, smart card issued by RGI under NPR, Indian passport, pension document with photograph, service identity card with photograph issued to employees by central/state governments, PSUs, public limited companies, etc., can be presented at the polling stations.

The new broad rules, however, can be seen on the Commission's website at www.secassam.in. The Commission has issued orders prohibiting road displays, padyatras, cycle/bike/vehicle rallies, and processions, as well as limiting the number of physical public gatherings, indoor meetings, and door-to-door canvassing allowed.