17.4 crore voters eligible to vote in Assembly elections in five states: Gyanesh Kumar
“We will also see our guests from more than 20 countries, from their electoral commissions who will be visiting these elections..."
The Election Commission of India (ECI) announced the schedule for the 2026 General Elections to the Legislative Assemblies of Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal at a press conference on Sunday.
A total of 17.4 crore voters are eligible to vote in the elections to the five assemblies, which together have 824 constituencies, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar said.
CEC Gyanesh Kumar stated that during the past few days the commission visited all the poll-bound states to review the preparedness for the ensuing assembly elections, meeting recognised political parties and receiving their suggestions.
“The commission also met the district electoral officers, the SPs, the IGs, the DIGs, and the nodal officers of all the enforcement agencies... The Commission also facilitated the BLOs for doing an excellent work for the SIR,” he added.
During the visits, the commission also interacted with young and first-time voters and those engaged in voter awareness activities, Gyanesh said.
“These states and UTs represent distinct geographical and cultural landscapes of India. These elections represent not only a democratic exercise, but also the cultural richness of India and truly reflect the unity and diversity of India,” he highlighted.
Gyanesh Kumar stated that “Pure electoral rolls” are the “bedrock” of any democracy, adding that with this intention the special intensive revision is being conducted as per Article 326 of the Constitution to ensure that no eligible voter is left out while also ensuring that ineligible persons are not included in the rolls.
Gyanesh Kumar congratulated BLOs, AEROs, electoral registration officers, district election officers and all election officials involved in the process for ensuring its smooth conduct and completion.
“It has been a massive democratic exercise,” he said, adding that around 17.4 crore voters are going to participate in these elections.
There will be 2.19 lakh polling stations for these assembly elections, with a total of 25 lakh election officials involved.
“We will also see our guests from more than 20 countries, from their electoral commissions who will be visiting these elections for witnessing the festive celebrations, the transparent and efficient celebration of elections in Inda.”
The commission, along with lakhs of election officials and security personnel, is committed to ensuring free, fair, transparent, accessible and peaceful elections.
ECI is also prepared to welcome every voter to polling stations and provide them with a pleasant and comfortable voting experience.
Making a special appeal to youth and first-time voters, he said, “You are about to step into one of the most, important responsibilities of your life, exercising your democratic rights, the right to vote. I urge you to participate enthusiastically in this democratic exercise a nd cast your vote with pride, responsibility and confidence.”
Schedule of Elections
Gyanesh Kumar said the end of the term of the assemblies is as follows:
Assam Assembly – 20 May
Kerala Assembly – 23 May
Puducherry Assembly – 15 June
Tamil Nadu Assembly – 10 May
West Bengal Assembly – 7 May
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