The process of commissioning Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) for the upcoming Assam Assembly elections began on March 31, with preparations underway across all constituencies, including key centres in Guwahati.
The exercise is being conducted under the supervision of the Election Commission of India, with technical assistance from Electronics Corporation of India Ltd (ECIL).
EVM commissioning for the Assam Assembly elections has begun on March 31 across all constituencies, including Guwahati. The process involves uploading candidate symbols, testing machines, and ensuring transparency with candidate representatives present, ahead of voting across 31,490 polling stations.
What Is Happening in Guwahati
In Guwahati, designated venues under District Election Officers are conducting the commissioning process.
The procedure includes:
- Testing of EVM functionality
- Uploading candidate symbols into VVPAT machines
- Verification in the presence of candidates or representatives
This ensures that machines used in Guwahati constituencies are ready and compliant with election guidelines.
Large Number of Machines Being Prepared
Across Assam, a significant number of machines are being commissioned:
- 41,353 Ballot Units (BUs)
- 45,572 Control Units (CUs)
- 44,830 VVPAT units
Additionally, reserve machines have been kept ready:
- 9,863 BUs
- 14,082 CUs
- 13,340 VVPATs
These reserves are intended to handle any technical issues during polling.
Transparency Measures in Place
Authorities have allowed candidates and their authorised representatives to be present during the commissioning process.
In Guwahati, this has enabled:
- Real-time verification of candidate symbols
- Increased trust in the voting system
- Accountability at each stage of preparation
Symbols are uploaded using Symbol Loading Units (SLUs) and displayed on screens for confirmation.
Scale of Voting in Assam
The upcoming elections will see:
- 31,490 polling stations across the state
- Around 2.51 crore registered voters
Guwahati, being a major urban centre, will have a significant share of voters participating in the electoral process.
Why This Matters for Guwahati
For voters in Guwahati, EVM commissioning is a crucial step in ensuring:
- Accurate ballot representation
- Smooth polling day operations
- Trust in the electoral process
With high voter turnout expected in the city, proper preparation of machines is essential.
What Happens Next
Following commissioning, EVMs will be securely stored and later distributed to polling stations across Guwahati and other districts.
Further election preparations, including staff deployment and voter awareness efforts, are expected to intensify as polling day approaches.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is EVM commissioning in elections?
EVM commissioning is the process of preparing voting machines by testing them, uploading candidate symbols, and verifying their accuracy before elections.
2. Are candidates allowed to monitor EVM preparation in Guwahati?
Yes, candidates or their representatives can be present during commissioning to ensure transparency and verify details.