Assembly elections 2026: SIR assurance, model code of conduct, rules more – What EC says in 4 states, 1 UT polls

New Delhi: The Election Commission on Sunday announced the dates for assembly polls in four states and one Union Territory while detailing several special provisions aimed at improving voter participation, monitoring the voting process and enhancing transparency.The Election Commission has announced the schedule for the assembly elections in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Assam and Kerala and the Union Territory of Puducherry.

Voting will take place between April 9 and April 29, with results from all five rallies due to be announced on May 4. Voting in the five regions will be staggered between April 9 and April 29. Assam, Kerala and Puducherry will vote on April 9; Tamil Nadu will vote on April 23; West Bengal will vote in two phases on April 23 and April 29.

this election commission of india The special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls before the polls, especially in West Bengal, was also highlighted. According to the commission, the exercise was carried out to improve the accuracy of the electoral roll by removing duplicate, transferred and ineligible entries and ensuring that only eligible voters remain on the roll.The committee said the revision involves door-to-door verification and review of election records by booth-level officials. Officials insist the process is aimed at strengthening the integrity of the electoral roll and increasing the transparency of the voting process, according to the European Commission.Further explaining the process and planning for the polls, the committee said steps have been taken to expand polling infrastructure and ensure better facilities for voters. “It has been decided that polling stations can accommodate up to 1,200 voters,” the committee noted, adding that if the number of voters exceeds this limit, additional polling stations or auxiliary polling stations can be set up. To enhance the convenience of voters, the committee also directed the authorities to provide basic facilities at every polling station. “Every polling station should have accessible roads in good condition to the polling station building and be equipped with Assured Minimum Facilities (AMF) such as drinking water, waiting sheds, toilets with water supply, adequate lighting, ramps of appropriate slope for voters with disabilities and standard voting booths.” Special attention is paid to accessibility for older voters and people with disabilities. The Commission has directed that polling stations should be located at ground floor or road level wherever possible and provide ramps and wheelchairs to make voting easier for senior citizens and differently-abled voters. The Election Commission also emphasized strict monitoring of the electoral process, noting that key events such as nominations, voting and vote counting will be recorded. “All major events will be videotaped,” the committee said, adding that CCTV cameras and webcasts would be used at polling stations and surveillance points. Furthermore, the Model Code of Conduct will come into effect immediately upon publication of the schedule and will apply to political parties, candidates and governments in polling states. The committee clarified, “The Model Code of Conduct is also applicable to the central government insofar as announcements/policy decisions related to Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Puducherry are concerned.It added that extensive arrangements have been made to ensure strict implementation of the code and warned that “any violation of this code will be dealt with sternly.” Authorities in the states and union territories concerned have also been directed to ensure that there is no misuse of official machinery during the MCC, while election officials have been directed to maintain high vigilance, especially during the first and last 72 hours of the voting process.