Assam Panchayat Elections: 1.8 Crore Voters, 25,007 Polling Stations – Full Info Here

The Assam State Election Commission has announced the schedule for the General Election to the Panchayats in 27 districts of the state. The elections will be held in two phases as per the following timeline:

Election Schedule

• Issue of Notice of Election by District Commissioners: April 3, 2025 (for both phases)

• Last Date of Filing Nominations: April 11, 2025 (from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM)

• Scrutiny of Nomination Papers: April 12, 2025 (from 10:30 AM)

• Publication of List of Validly Nominated Candidates: April 12, 2025

• Last Date for Withdrawal of Candidature: April 17, 2025 (up to 3:00 PM)

• Publication of List of Contesting Candidates: April 17, 2025 (after 3:00 PM)

• Polling Dates: May 2, 2025 (Phase 1) and May 7, 2025 (Phase 2) from 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM

• Re-polling (if required): May 4, 2025 (Phase 1) and May 9, 2025 (Phase 2) from 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM

• Counting of Votes: May 11, 2025 (from 8:00 AM until completion)

Districts Covered

• Phase 1 Districts: Sivasagar, Majuli, Jorhat, Tinsukia, Dibrugarh, Charaideo, Golaghat, Dhemaji, Lakhimpur, Sonitpur, Biswanath, Cachar, Hailakandi, Sribumi.

• Phase 2 Districts: Dhubri, South Salmara Mankachar, Goalpara, Bongaigaon, Barpeta, Bajali, Nalbari, Kamrup, Kamrup (Metro), Hojai, Nagaon, Morigaon, Darrang.

Voter and Polling Station Data

• Total Voters: 1,80,36,682 (Male: 90,71,264; Female: 89,65,010; Others: 408)

• Increase in Voters Since 2018: 13.27% (from 1,56,41,456 in 2018)

• Total Polling Stations: 25,007 (6% increase from 23,505 in 2018)

• Voter Roll Updates: The Commission will continue the process of adding new electors based on eligibility as of January 1, 2025.

Voter Identification

The Electoral Photo Identity Card (EPIC) will be the primary identification document. However, voters can also use the following:

• Aadhaar Card

• MNREGA Job Card

• Bank/Post Office Passbook with Photo

• Health Insurance Smart Card (Ministry of Labour)

• Driving License

• PAN Card

• Smart Card issued by RGI under NPR

• Indian Passport

• Pension Document with Photograph

• Service Identity Cards (Govt./PSUs/Public Ltd. Companies)

• Official Identity Cards for MPs/MLAs/MLCs

• Unique Disability ID (UDID) Card (Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment)

Model Code of Conduct (MCC)

The MCC is now in effect across areas covered by the Panchayat Election, 2025. Assam State Election Commission follows the Election Commission of India's (ECI) guidelines. The MCC includes eight parts covering:

1. Standards for political parties and candidates during the campaign.

2. Regulations for public meetings and processions.

3. Conduct on polling day and at polling booths.

4. Complaint mechanisms through Election Commission observers.

5. Rules for political parties in power regarding official visits, government resources, and announcements.

6. Election manifestos must align with constitutional principles and the MCC.

Candidate Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must meet the following requirements:

• Minimum age: 21 years

• Functional sanitary toilet at residence

• No violation of Child Marriage Act, 2006 (candidate/spouse)

• Maximum of two living children, with exceptions for births before March 19, 2018

• Mandatory affidavit on criminal records, assets, and liabilities

• Educational Qualifications:

  • Gaon Panchayat Member: HSLC pass (Class 10); SC/ST/OBC/MOBC candidates must have studied up to Class 10.

  • Zilla Parishad and Anchalik Panchayat: HSSLC pass (Class 12); SC/ST/OBC/MOBC candidates must have passed HSLC (Class 10).

• Must not be disqualified under Section 111 of the Assam Panchayat Act, 1994 (as amended).

Expenditure Limits

• Zilla Parishad Member: ₹10 lakh

• Anchalik Panchayat Member: ₹2.5 lakh

• Gaon Panchayat Member: ₹25,000

According to Chief Election Commissioner Alok Kumar, the Assam Panchayat Elections 2025 are set to witness significant participation, with an increased voter base and polling stations compared to 2018. 

Also Read: Assam Panchayat Elections in Two Phases: Voting on May 2 & 7, Results on May 11