New Delhi: India’s election authorities are expected to announce the schedule for upcoming legislative assembly elections in five regions on Sunday. The announcement will likely cover the states of Assam, Kerala, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and the union territory of Puducherry.
The schedule is expected to be revealed during a press conference organized by the Election Commission of India at New Delhi’s Vigyan Bhavan on Sunday afternoon.
Election Commission Leadership to Address Media
According to officials, the briefing will be led by Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar along with Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi. The three-member panel is expected to outline the election timeline, polling phases, and related guidelines.
The announcement comes after the Election Commission completed review visits to several states to assess preparedness for the elections.
Terms of Current Assemblies Nearing End
The terms of the current legislative assemblies in these regions are set to expire soon:
- Assam Assembly term ends May 20
- Kerala Assembly term ends May 23
- Tamil Nadu Assembly term ends May 10
- West Bengal Assembly term ends May 7
Officials say the poll schedule is being finalized to ensure that new governments are formed before the current assemblies complete their terms.
Possible Voting Phases
Sources within the Election Commission suggest that Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry may vote in a single phase, similar to previous elections in these regions.
However, voting in West Bengal is expected to take place in multiple phases, though likely fewer than in previous elections. In the 2021 state election, polling in West Bengal was conducted over eight phases, while the 2016 election took place in seven phases.
Voter Roll Revision Process Completed
Ahead of the elections, the Election Commission conducted a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry to ensure accuracy in voter lists. A Special Revision (SR) process was carried out in Assam.
The SIR process, launched in June last year, has been implemented in 11 states and three union territories across India. The revision required registered voters to submit enumeration forms and, in some cases, provide additional documentation to confirm eligibility, including proof of citizenship.
Officials noted that Assam was not included in the national SIR process because the state’s National Register of Citizens has not yet been fully published.
The Election Commission’s announcement later today will formally set the stage for the next round of key state elections in India, which are expected to play an important role in shaping the country’s political landscape in the coming months.