Key Points
- ECINET module lets voters verify candidates' criminal cases, assets and education
- Total 1,955 candidates contest elections across Assam, Kerala, Puducherry and bye-polls
- Elections in five states and one Union Territory scheduled from 9 April 2026
Voters can now verify the criminal records, educational qualifications and assets of candidates contesting the 2026 Assembly elections through a new tool launched by the Election Commission of India. The ‘Know Your Candidates’ module, available on the Commission’s ECINET platform, allows citizens to download complete affidavits filed by contestants across five states and one Union Territory heading to polls next week.
The tool arrives as 1,955 candidates prepare to face voters in the first phase of elections on 9 April 2026. The Commission said the module is designed to place official candidate disclosures directly in the hands of voters, rather than requiring them to navigate multiple systems or rely on secondary sources.
ECINET, which the Commission describes as the world’s largest electoral service platform, brings together more than 40 applications and portals into a single interface. The ‘Know Your Candidates’ feature sits under the ‘Conduct of Elections’ tab and provides access to Form 26 affidavits, the mandatory disclosure documents that candidates must submit when filing nominations.
What voters can access through the module
The module displays four categories of information for each candidate: criminal antecedents, including pending cases and past convictions; assets and liabilities declared at the time of nomination; educational qualifications; and verified social media handles.
Form 26 is the sworn affidavit that every candidate must file along with nomination papers. It requires contestants to declare criminal cases registered against them, movable and immovable assets, liabilities including loans and dues, and educational background. The Commission said voters can download the complete affidavit in its original form through the platform.
The feature is particularly relevant for the current election cycle, with nominations already closed for polls in Assam, Kerala and Puducherry. According to Commission, voters in these states and in bye-elections across Goa, Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Nagaland and Tripura will cast ballots on 9 April 2026.
Election schedule and nomination status
The Commission announced the election schedule on 15 March 2026 for General Elections to the Legislative Assemblies of Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, along with bye-elections to eight Assembly constituencies across six states.
Nominations have opened for Tamil Nadu and both phases of the West Bengal Assembly elections. The last date for withdrawal of candidature is 9 April for Tamil Nadu and West Bengal Phase I, and 13 April for West Bengal Phase II, according to the Commission.
The total of 1,955 candidates in the fray for the 9 April polls includes contestants for full Assembly elections in Assam, Kerala and the Union Territory of Puducherry, as well as bye-election candidates in four states.
ECINET platform and other voter services
Beyond candidate information, ECINET provides a range of voter services through a single login. The Commission said citizens can use the platform for voter registration, searching electoral rolls, tracking application status, connecting with election officials and booking calls with Booth Level Officers, the grassroots officials responsible for maintaining voter lists at the polling station level.
The platform also hosts cVIGIL, a tool for reporting election code violations with geotagged photo and video evidence, and Saksham, a service designed to make electoral participation accessible for persons with disabilities. Voters can download their e-EPIC, the electronic version of the Elector Photo Identity Card, and access real-time polling trends through the same interface.
The Commission said ECINET also functions as a grievance redressal system, allowing citizens to file complaints and track their resolution. It described the platform as a single-window system for both information access and complaint handling during election periods.
Voters in Assam, Kerala, Puducherry and the six states with bye-elections can access candidate information immediately through the ECINET platform. Those in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal will be able to view contestant details as nominations are finalised in the coming days.
Your Questions, Answered
How can voters check candidate criminal records for the 2026 elections?
Voters can access the 'Know Your Candidates' module on the Election Commission's ECINET platform under the 'Conduct of Elections' tab. The module displays criminal antecedents, assets, educational qualifications and verified social media handles for all candidates.
What is Form 26 and how can voters download it?
Form 26 is the sworn affidavit that every election candidate must file with their nomination papers. It declares criminal cases, assets, liabilities and educational background. Voters can download complete Form 26 affidavits through the ECINET platform.
Which states are going to polls on 9 April 2026?
Assembly elections will be held in Assam, Kerala and the Union Territory of Puducherry on 9 April 2026. Bye-elections will also take place in constituencies across Goa, Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Nagaland and Tripura on the same date.
What other services does the ECINET platform provide to voters?
ECINET offers voter registration, electoral roll search, application tracking, e-EPIC download, polling trends and grievance redressal. It also includes cVIGIL for reporting violations and Saksham for accessible services for persons with disabilities.
