Assam votes in single phase with record turnout, results due May 4
- Assam recorded a provisional turnout of 85.38%, the highest in its electoral history, according to the Election Commission
- Polling for all 126 seats was completed in a single phase on April 9
- Women voters outpaced men in participation across the state
- Rural constituencies saw turnout above 94%, while urban areas lagged behind
- Counting will take place on May 4 alongside results in four other states
Assam recorded a provisional voter turnout of 85.38 percent in its 2026 Legislative Assembly election, marking the highest participation in the state’s electoral history, according to the Election Commission of India. Polling for all 126 constituencies was completed in a single phase on April 9, with counting scheduled for May 4.
The turnout surpasses previous highs of 84.67 percent in 2016 and 82.4 percent in 2021, based on historical data released by the Election Commission. Final figures are expected after reconciliation.
Election officials reported higher participation among women voters, with turnout estimated at 85.96 percent compared to 84.80 percent among men. The gender gap, though narrow, reflects a continued pattern of strong female participation in the state’s elections.
Voting patterns showed a clear divide between rural and urban constituencies. Several rural and densely populated areas recorded turnout exceeding 94 percent. Dalgaon in central Assam reported 94.57 percent participation, while constituencies such as Srinjangram, Jaleshwar, and Mankachar also crossed the 94 percent mark, according to provisional data compiled by election authorities and reported by regional media.
Urban centers, however, registered comparatively lower turnout. In the Guwahati region, New Guwahati recorded 71.27 percent turnout, while Dispur stood at 73.98 percent. These figures align with past trends of lower participation in urban constituencies.
Officials described the polling process as largely peaceful across the state. However, reports from agencies including Press Trust of India indicated isolated clashes between supporters of rival political parties, leaving around 30 people injured and leading to seven arrests. Details of these incidents remain limited, and independent verification of the full circumstances is not yet available.
This election marks the first Assembly poll in Assam following the 2023 delimitation exercise, which redrew constituency boundaries across the state. The changes have altered electoral calculations for major parties, making the outcome a key test of the revised political map.
The contest is widely seen as a direct fight between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, led by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, and the opposition Indian National Congress. The BJP is seeking a third consecutive term in power, while the Congress has campaigned on a platform of political change under the slogan of a “New Bor-Asom.”
Electronic voting machines used in the election have been sealed and secured in strongrooms under the supervision of the Election Commission. The results, to be announced on May 4, will be declared alongside outcomes from West Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry.
It remains unclear how the high turnout, regional disparities, and post-delimitation shifts will translate into seat-level results.
| Event | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Polling Day (All 126 seats) | April 9, 2026 | Completed |
| Counting Day | May 4, 2026 | Upcoming |