As counting for the Assam Assembly Elections 2026 approaches, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced extensive security and procedural arrangements to ensure a smooth and transparent process on May 4. Chief Electoral Officer Anurag Goel addressed the media in Guwahati, confirming that all strong rooms housing Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) are under round-the-clock CCTV surveillance. These facilities are also being guarded by Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) along with state police personnel. Goel emphasized that strict monitoring is in place, and candidates or their authorized agents are allowed to inspect strong room doors if they wish, ensuring full transparency throughout the process.
Large-Scale Administrative Setup for Counting Across Assam
The counting process will be conducted simultaneously at all 35 district headquarters, with a total of 40 counting centres established across the state. To manage the large-scale operation, the ECI has deployed 126 counting observers from different states, assigned to each Assembly constituency. These officials are expected to arrive by May 1 or May 2. Additionally, around 5,981 personnel will be engaged in counting duties, supported by 2,348 micro-observers who will closely monitor the process and report directly to senior observers. Goel also confirmed that he has personally inspected strong rooms across 34 districts, excluding Majuli, and reviewed counting preparations in 11 districts to ensure readiness.
Strong Security Grid and Measures to Prevent Post-Result Clashes
On the security front, the Election Commission has put in place one of the most extensive arrangements in recent Assam electoral history. Around 25 companies of CAPF have been deployed since the April 9 polling day and will remain stationed until EVMs are securely transported back to storage after counting concludes. In addition, 13 companies and one platoon of state armed police are assigned to secondary security layers, while 800 unarmed police personnel will be deployed at strong room locations on counting day. Two companies of CRPF have been stationed in Guwahati Metro for static duty, along with 93 companies of Assam State Armed Police across districts. To prevent post-result violence, authorities have also directed restrictions on victory processions and public gatherings.
Postal Ballots, VVPAT Counting, and Record Voter Turnout
According to ECI data, 1,19,463 postal ballots have already been cast across Assam, while service voters’ ballots will continue to be received until 7:59 am on May 4. Officials have also warned that the final declaration of results may take longer than usual due to mandatory counting of all VVPAT slips, regardless of victory margins. This additional verification step is expected to extend counting into the late evening. Meanwhile, Assam has recorded an impressive voter turnout of nearly 86 percent in the 2026 Assembly elections, marking a significant rise compared to 84.64 percent in 2016 and 82.02 percent in 2021. The high participation level, combined with strict procedural checks, makes this one of the most closely watched electoral outcomes in the state’s recent history.
