The Election Commission of India announced that Assembly elections in Assam, Keralam, Puducherry and Tamil Nadu will be conducted in a single phase, whereas West Bengal will vote in two phases. Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar said about 17.4 crore voters are eligible to choose 824 MLAs across these four States and one Union Territory, a number he compared to the combined population of Australia, France, South Africa, Germany and Canada. He added that the Commission will ensure 100% webcasting at all polling stations to keep the voting process transparent.