Assam officials prepare for Nagaon Lok Sabha bypoll

Guwahati: Assam Chief Electoral Officer officials met with political party representatives on September 10 to prepare for the Nagaon Lok Sabha bypoll. The vote happens October 6. They discussed campaign rules, expenditure monitoring, and the Model Code of Conduct. The CEO asked all parties to ensure a free, fair, transparent, and peaceful election.

EVM and VVPAT randomisation starts September 11 at the District Election Officer level. Officials will separate machines by Assembly Constituency. This includes five constituencies in Nagaon and three in Morigaon. The CEO stated, "The CEO emphasised strict compliance with Election Commission instructions and the MCC and sought the cooperation of all political parties to ensure a free, fair, transparent and peaceful by-election."

Candidates must open a specific bank account for campaign costs. They must avoid wearing white, caps, or glasses in nomination photos. Affidavits must match nomination papers exactly. Voters can use one of 12 alternative IDs if they lack an Elector Photo Identity Card. Any campaign ads need approval from the Media Certification and Monitoring Committee. The bypoll follows the resignation of Pradyut Bordoloi. He left Congress to join the BJP and won an MLA seat in Dispur.