Assam witnessed a significant development in its democratic journey as the second phase of the 2025 panchayat elections concluded on May 6 with a voter turnout of 56.71 percent. The polling, which covered 15 districts across the state, was largely peaceful and well-managed, reflecting the growing strength of grassroots democracy in Assam.
The State Election Commission (SEC) of Assam reported that the second phase proceeded without any major disruptions, with voting held across thousands of polling booths in rural areas. The elections are being conducted in multiple phases to ensure proper security, logistical management, and voter accessibility in all regions.
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According to official data, over 34 lakh eligible voters were registered to cast their votes in this phase, deciding the fate of nearly 18,000 candidates contesting for seats in Gaon Panchayats, Anchalik Panchayats, and Zila Parishads. The moderate turnout was attributed to a mix of high voter enthusiasm in some areas and weather-related constraints in others.
Officials from the State Election Commission expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the polls and said the average turnout was in line with expectations for a rural local body election. They added that the smooth handling of the second phase is an encouraging sign for the remaining rounds of the electoral process.
Polling began at 7:30 AM and continued until 4:30 PM, with long queues seen in many rural polling booths during the morning hours. Women and elderly voters were seen participating in large numbers, which officials noted as a positive sign of civic engagement. Several districts like Morigaon, Nagaon, and Golaghat reported above-average turnout, while a few areas experienced moderate participation due to light rainfall and accessibility issues.
The Assam panchayat elections are crucial for strengthening local governance structures, particularly in rural and semi-urban regions. Elected representatives from these elections are responsible for implementing government schemes, managing development funds, and addressing public concerns at the village level.
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This year’s elections have seen a sharp rise in the participation of youth and women candidates. Nearly 45 percent of candidates in Phase 2 were women, many of whom contested from reserved constituencies created to enhance female representation in local governance. Political analysts believe this reflects a growing trend of inclusive politics in Assam’s panchayat system.
The security arrangements for the second phase were robust, with more than 18,000 police personnel deployed across polling stations to maintain law and order. Central paramilitary forces were also stationed in sensitive and remote areas to ensure peaceful voting. No major incidents of violence or electoral malpractice were reported, though minor technical glitches in electronic voting machines were addressed quickly by the SEC’s technical teams.
To maintain transparency, polling booths were equipped with CCTV surveillance and micro-observers, particularly in high-sensitivity zones. The Commission also introduced a mobile app for voters to report grievances or suspicious activities, enhancing citizen participation in the monitoring process.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma thanked the people of Assam for their active participation in the democratic process and praised the Election Commission for its efficient management. He urged voters to continue showing enthusiasm in the upcoming phases, calling the panchayat system the backbone of rural governance.
With the third phase of polling scheduled for next week, preparations are already underway. Officials are reviewing the lessons from Phase 2 to ensure smoother logistics and better voter turnout in the remaining districts. The final results of the panchayat elections will be declared after all phases are completed later this month.
As Assam moves through the different stages of this large-scale rural election, the steady voter turnout and peaceful environment serve as a testament to the maturing democratic spirit in the state. The 2025 panchayat elections are expected to play a key role in shaping local leadership and development priorities across Assam’s diverse regions.
