In a bid to restore electoral integrity, re-polling was held on Sunday across 43 polling stations in Assam after reports of irregularities marred the first phase of the Panchayat elections on May 2. The Assam State Election Commission ordered the re-vote following disturbances reported in 14 districts, leading to today’s exercise aimed at ensuring a fair democratic process.
According to official statements, the re-polling was conducted under tight security with district magistrates and law enforcement personnel deployed on the ground. The affected booths included 31 in Hailakandi, 8 in Sribhumi, 2 in Lakhimpur, and one each in Golaghat and Majuli.
Speaking to reporters, Sribhumi District Commissioner Pradeep Kumar Dwivedi said, “The re-polling is being held peacefully under sufficient security arrangements and magistrates. I hope it will conclude peacefully.” His remarks were echoed by Superintendent of Police Partha Protim Das, who confirmed that polling was proceeding smoothly in the district’s eight booths with preemptive area domination and robust policing.
The initial phase of polling saw a solid turnout, with 70.19% of registered voters casting their votes. Majuli led with an impressive 80.02% voter turnout, followed by Dhemaji at 77.14%. Other districts such as Sivasagar, Jorhat, Cachar, and Hailakandi also posted voter turnouts above 70%, signaling active public participation despite localized disruptions.
The re-polling comes just days before the second phase, scheduled for May 7, which will cover the remaining 13 districts. The final vote count is set for May 11, with the Election Commission reiterating its commitment to free and fair elections.