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Voting is underway across 14 districts in Assam today as the state begins the first phase of its much-anticipated panchayat elections. Polling began early this morning and is currently progressing peacefully, according to state election officials.

Districts where voting is taking place include Sonitpur, Biswanath, Dhemaji, Lakhimpur, Tinsukia, Dibrugarh, Sivasagar, Charaideo, Jorhat, Majuli, Golaghat, Cachar, Hailakandi and Sribhumi. Visuals accessed from a polling booth in Sribhumi showed long queues of voters waiting patiently to cast their votes, with election officials ensuring smooth conduct amid heightened security.

The second phase of voting will be conducted on 7 May in the remaining 13 districts and the counting of votes is scheduled for 11 May.

The 2025 Panchayat election will see the election of 21,920 Gram Panchayat (GP) members, 2,192 Anchalik Panchayat (AP) members and 397 Zila Parishad (ZP) members. Unlike previous elections, there will be no separate voting for the post of GP presidents this time. Instead, the ten elected members of each GP will choose one among themselves to serve as president. In contrast, during the 2018 panchayat elections and earlier, presidents of GPs were elected directly by the voters.

The State Election Commission has deployed thousands of polling personnel and security forces to ensure free and fair elections. Voters have been urged to come out in large numbers while following all necessary guidelines.In view of the scorching summer conditions, polling booths have reportedly been equipped with basic amenities including drinking water, seating arrangements and shade. Medical teams have also been kept on standby in vulnerable and remote locations.

The panchayat elections in Assam are being closely watched, as they are seen as a litmus test ahead of the 2026 state assembly elections. With the participation of several independent candidates alongside party-backed representatives, the rural body polls are also a reflection of grassroots-level sentiment.

As the day progresses, more updates are expected on voter turnout and any significant developments from across the polling regions.

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