Election Commission Schedules Single-Phase Assam Assembly Polls, Appoints Special Observer

The Election Commission of India has scheduled Assam's Assembly elections for April 9, to be held in a single phase due to improved infrastructure and enhanced security arrangements. Retired IAS officer Manjeet Singh has been appointed as the special observer to monitor election preparedness and conduct. Security measures include deployment of 200 Central Armed Police Force companies and over 74,000 Assam Police personnel. Officials cite better law and order, including the withdrawal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act in most areas, as factors enabling the single-phase polling.