New Delhi: The Chief Election Commissioner, Rajiv Kumar, announced the schedule for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections today. Scheduled in 7 phases, the polls will kick off on April 19 and conclude on June 1, with results set to be declared on June 4. Kumar clarified that simultaneous polls will not be conducted.
Kumar said, “Seven phases are necessary keeping in mind geographic conditions, festivals, exams and other factors.”
The election phases will go to polls on the following dates:
- 1st phase – April 19, 2024, to take place in 21 states
- 2nd phase – April 26, 2024, to take place in 13 states
- 3rd phase – May 7, 2024, to take place in 12 states
- 4th phase – May 13, 2024, to take place in 10 states
- 5th phase – May 20, 2024, to take place in eight states
- 6th phase – May 25, 2024, to take place in seven states
- 7th phase – June 1, 2024, to take place in eight states
Additionally, assembly elections for Andhra Pradesh are slated for May 13, while Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh will vote on April 19. Odisha’s assembly polls will occur in two phases, on May 13 and May 20, respectively.
During a press briefing, the Election Commission emphasised its commitment to address the challenges posed by the “4Ms” – muscle, money, misinformation, and MCC violations – to ensure fair and transparent elections.
Approximately 97 crore eligible voters are expected to participate. Kumar announced provisions for voters aged 85 and above to cast their votes from home. Furthermore, basic amenities like drinking water and sanitation facilities will be provided at all polling stations.
With the tenure of the current Lok Sabha and four state assemblies set to end in June, the elections hold paramount significance. In the previous parliamentary elections, the BJP secured 303 seats, aiming for a third consecutive term, while the Congress won 52 seats.
