New Delhi, March 16, 2024 : The Election Commission of India has unveiled the much-awaited poll schedule for the General Election 2024, along with assembly polls in several states. The announcement came today, with Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar briefing the nation on the extensive electoral roadmap.
Phase-wise Polling Schedule
- First Phase (April 19): 102 Lok Sabha seats
- Second Phase (April 26): 89 Lok Sabha seats
- Third Phase (May 7): 94 Lok Sabha seats
- Fourth Phase (May 13): 96 Lok Sabha seats
- Fifth Phase (May 20): 49 Lok Sabha seats
- Sixth Phase (May 25): 57 Lok Sabha seats
- Seventh Phase (June 1): 57 Lok Sabha seats
State-wise Breakdown:
- Single Phase Polling: 22 states and Union Territories, including Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Telangana, and others.
- Two Phases: Karnataka, Rajasthan, Manipur, and Tripura.
- Three Phases: Chhattisgarh and Assam.
- Four Phases: Madhya Pradesh and Jharkhand.
- Five Phases: Maharashtra and Jammu and Kashmir.
- Seven Phases: Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal.
The Election Commission also disclosed the assembly poll schedule for Sikkim, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Arunachal Pradesh, synchronizing with the Lok Sabha elections.
India Gears Up for Lok Sabha Polls 2024: Poll Schedule Announced by Election Commission
- The Model Code of Conduct is now in effect.
- India braces for the participation of 97 crore registered voters and over 10.5 lakh polling stations manned by 1.5 crore personnel.
- Approximately 1.82 crore first-time voters are expected in this election.
- Special provisions for voters over 85 years old and persons with disabilities.
- Stricter scrutiny on candidates with serious criminal cases.
- Measures in place to tackle challenges for the Lok Sabha Polls like muscle power, money, misinformation, and MCC violations.
Election Preparedness
CEC Rajiv Kumar emphasized comprehensive measures to ensure smooth and fair elections, including the deployment of 2100 observers and drone-based surveillance for the Lok Sabha Polls.
As the term of the current Lok Sabha nears its end, anticipation builds for what promises to be a monumental exercise in Indian democracy. Stay tuned as the nation gears up for the Lok Sabha polls 2024, marking another chapter in its vibrant electoral history.
