ECI deploys over 25 lakh officials for 2026 Assembly polls in five States/UTs – about one for every 70 electors
The Election Commission said on 18 March 2026 that over 25 lakh officials have been deployed for the Assembly elections in Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, which have over 17.4 crore electors – nearly one official for every 70 electors.
Summary
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has deployed over 25 lakh election officials for the 2026 Assembly elections in Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, it said on 18 March 2026. With over 17.4 crore electors, this is nearly one official for every 70 electors; the deployment includes about 15 lakh polling personnel, 8.5 lakh security personnel and 49,000 micro observers. All deployed personnel are deemed to be on deputation to the ECI under Section 28A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. In addition, 1,111 Central Observers – 557 General, 188 Police and 366 Expenditure – cover the 832 Assembly constituencies going to polls, including bye-elections.
Key facts
- Officials
- Over 25 lakh
- Electors
- Over 17.4 crore – ~1 official per 70 electors
- Breakdown
- ~15 lakh polling, 8.5 lakh security, 49,000 micro observers
- Legal basis
- Section 28A, RP Act 1951 (deemed deputation)
- Central Observers
- 1,111: 557 General, 188 Police, 366 Expenditure; 832 ACs
- Helpline
- 1950; Book-a-call to BLO on ECINet
Practice MCQs 2 questions
For the 2026 Assembly elections in five States/UTs, the ECI deployed roughly one election official for every how many electors?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 70
Over 25 lakh officials for over 17.4 crore electors amounts to nearly one official for every 70 electors.
Consider the following about the ECI's deployment for the 2026 Assembly elections: 1. Expenditure Observers outnumber General Observers among the Central Observers. 2. Deployed personnel are deemed to be on deputation to the ECI under Section 28A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Statement 1 is wrong: there are 557 General Observers and 366 Expenditure Observers. Statement 2 is correct.