Delegates from 7 nations witness Assam polls, laud meticulous planning

GUWAHATI: Twelve international delegates from seven countries — Angola, Benin, Croatia, Egypt, Mexico, Portugal and Sri Lanka — who witnessed the election process in Assam, have praised the record voter participation, meticulous planning and seamless execution.The Election Commission in a statement said the Assam assembly elections have drawn global attention as the international delegates described the polls as “a true festival of democracy.” The Election Commission organised the delegates’ two-day visit to the state from Apr 8 to witness India’s electoral under its flagship International Election Visitors’ Programme (IEVP) 2026.According to the EC statement, at a polling station in Kamrup, Croatia’s Branimir Farkas said, “What is overwhelming for me is the enthusiasm among people to vote. We can only learn from this process — it’s a huge process and done right.”The delegates were present at dispatch and distribution centres, where they observed the systematic movement of polling parties and materials. They interacted with the chief electoral officer and state police nodal officer, reviewed security arrangements, and visited CCTV control rooms monitoring 100% webcasting of polling stations, which they described as “a strong pillar of transparency.”Portugal’s Dr Miguel Jesus Ferreira Da Silva, impressed by the ground arrangements, said, “Turnout is very high, and the process is logistically well-managed, peaceful, free and fair.”On poll day, delegates observed mock polls and visited stations in Kamrup Metro and Kamrup district. They lauded inclusive features such as ramps, wheelchairs, volunteers, crèche facilities, and dedicated polling stations managed by women and persons with disabilities. They also joined plantation drives at polling stations, showcasing eco-friendly practices.Benin’s Erick Jean-Marie Zinsou summed up the experience as “well-organised process, at each step people are well trained.”EC said the seamless conduct of polling and high turnout left a strong impression as delegates commended India’s commitment to transparency, inclusivity and excellence.