New Delhi, March 16: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has officially revealed the schedule for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in 2024. Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar announced that the elections will take place in seven phases, commencing from April 19 and culminating with the results declaration on June 4.
Phase 1 of the elections is set to begin on April 19, with the deadline for candidate nominations set for March 27. This phase will encompass polling in 21 states and Union Territories. Subsequent phases will follow at regular intervals, covering various regions of the country.
In total, 543 Lok Sabha seats will be contested across the nation, making this a crucial electoral event for India. The staggering scale of these elections necessitates a phased approach to ensure smooth conduct and effective management.
Each phase will see elections conducted in multiple states and Union Territories, with varying numbers of constituencies participating. The final phase of polling is scheduled for June 1, leading to the eagerly anticipated results announcement on June 4.
Apart from Lok Sabha elections, the ECI also announced the dates for assembly elections in Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Arunachal Pradesh, and Sikkim. These state-level contests will coincide with certain phases of the Lok Sabha elections.
With an estimated 97 crore eligible voters, the electoral process in India is both massive and complex. The implementation of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) immediately follows the announcement of election dates, ensuring a fair and transparent electoral environment.
Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar emphasized the ECI’s commitment to conducting environmentally sustainable elections, aiming to minimize single-use plastic and promote eco-friendly practices throughout the electoral process.
To address concerns related to the flow of illicit money during elections, extensive reviews have been conducted with enforcement agencies. Measures such as the ESMs portal and enhanced coordination between agencies aim to curb illegal financial activities.
In light of recent challenges posed by misinformation, CEC Rajiv Kumar reiterated the importance of combating fake news and misinformation. The ECI has implemented measures to swiftly debunk fake news and hold perpetrators accountable under existing laws.
In conclusion, the announcement of dates for India’s Lok Sabha elections 2024 marks the beginning of a significant democratic exercise. As the nation prepares for this electoral journey, stakeholders are urged to uphold the integrity of the electoral process and ensure a free, fair, and transparent election.
Also Read: Press Conference by ECI
