The Office of the District Election Officer, Kamrup (Metro), has begun the commissioning of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and VVPATs for the upcoming Assam Assembly elections from March 31, with key activities underway in Guwahati.
The process for five major constituencies—Dispur, Dimoria, New Guwahati, Guwahati Central, and Jalukbari—is being conducted at the Maniram Dewan Trade Centre under strict supervision.
EVM and VVPAT commissioning for five Guwahati constituencies began on March 31 at Maniram Dewan Trade Centre. The process ensures accurate configuration of candidate names and symbols under strict supervision ahead of the Assam Assembly elections scheduled for April 9.
Key Constituencies Covered in Guwahati
The commissioning exercise is being carried out for the following constituencies in Guwahati:
- Dispur
- Dimoria
- New Guwahati
- Guwahati Central
- Jalukbari
These areas represent a significant portion of the city’s voter base and are central to the electoral process in the Kamrup Metropolitan district.
What Happens During Commissioning
EVM commissioning is a critical pre-election step that ensures machines are properly configured.
The process includes:
- Uploading candidate names and symbols into VVPAT units
- Testing the functionality of EVMs
- Verifying accuracy in the presence of stakeholders
This ensures that voters in Guwahati will see the correct candidate details on voting day.
Technical and Administrative Oversight
The exercise is being conducted with support from engineers of Electronics Corporation of India Limited (ECIL), who are authorised to handle the machines.
To maintain transparency:
- Election officials are supervising the process
- Candidates or their representatives are allowed to be present
- Verification is done in real time
Randomisation to Ensure Fairness
Officials have also confirmed that the second phase of EVM and VVPAT randomisation will be conducted in a secure environment.
This step ensures:
- Machines are randomly assigned to polling stations
- No pre-determined allocation influences the process
- Electoral integrity is maintained
Why This Matters for Guwahati
For voters in Guwahati, EVM commissioning directly impacts:
- Accuracy of voting machines
- Trust in the election process
- Smooth functioning on polling day
With high voter turnout expected in the city, proper preparation is essential.
What Happens Next
Following commissioning and randomisation, machines will be securely stored and later dispatched to polling stations across Guwahati.
Polling for the 126-member Assam Assembly will be held on April 9, with counting scheduled for May 4.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where is EVM commissioning happening in Guwahati?
The process is being conducted at Maniram Dewan Trade Centre in Betkuchi for five constituencies.
2. Why is EVM commissioning important?
It ensures that voting machines are correctly configured with candidate details and function properly during elections.