GUWAHATI: Repolling began on Sunday, May 4, in 43 polling booths across five districts of Assam following incidents of violence during the first phase of the Panchayat elections. The repolling, which started at 7:30 AM and will continue until 4:30 PM, is taking place in 31 booths in Hailakandi, eight in Sribhumi, two in Lakhimpur, and one booth each in Golaghat and Majuli.
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The Assam State Election Commission (ASEC) ordered the repoll after disruptions and clashes were reported in several areas during the first round of voting on Friday, May 2. The first phase was held across 14 districts, including Tinsukia, Dibrugarh, Charaideo, Sivasagar, Majuli, Jorhat, Golaghat, Dhemaji, Lakhimpur, Sonitpur, Biswanath, Cachar, Hailakandi and Sribhumi. The turnout for the phase stood at approximately 70.19%, according to ASEC data.
Violence erupted in multiple locations during the voting on May 2. In Sribhumi, located in South Karimganj, a confrontation broke out between supporters of rival political groups near the Dalgram polling station. Another scuffle was reported from Katigorah in Cachar district, where a fight broke out between supporters of two opposing ward members close to a polling booth.
Security has been stepped up in the affected areas to ensure peaceful repolling. Authorities are keeping a close watch to avoid further disturbances as the Panchayat election process continues.
