The Election Commission of India, led by Chief Election Commissioner Rajeev Kumar, along with newly appointed Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Gyanesh Kumar, has unveiled the schedule for the General Elections to the Lok Sabha 2024. The elections will be conducted in seven phases, as disclosed during a press conference held by the Election Commission of India.
According to the release from the Election Commission Office, polling will commence on April 19 (first phase), followed by subsequent phases on April 26, May 7, May 13, May 20, May 25, and concluding on June 1. The counting of votes for all seven phases will take place on June 4, with the results being declared on the same day.
Significantly, during the first phase, a total of 121 seats spanning across states will be open for voting. Subsequent phases will see seat divisions as follows: 89 seats (second phase), 94 seats (third phase), 96 seats (fourth phase), 49 seats (fifth phase), 57 seats (sixth phase), and 57 seats (seventh phase).
Speaking about the ECI’s preparations ahead of the polls, the CEC stated, “India gears up for the celebration of democracy with 97 Cr voters, 1.5 Cr polling officials & 10.5 lakh polling stations. A mammoth exercise in democracy, which is the world’s largest electoral movement of man and material. Over 55 lakh EVMs will be deployed for General Elections 2024.”
During today’s press conference, the Election Commission of India also announced the dates for Assembly Elections in Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, and Sikkim. Importantly, the elections for all these states will be held simultaneously with the Lok Sabha Polls. Voting for all Assembly Constituencies in Andhra Pradesh will take place during the fourth phase only, while in Odisha, it will coincide with the fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh phases of the General Elections. Polling for Assembly Constituencies in Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim will align with the first phase of the general elections.
Significantly, today’s announcement sets the stage for the fate of candidates from various political parties vying to secure seats in the 543-member Lower House of Parliament. The Lok Sabha Polls 2024 will witness intense competition as political parties vie for representation in the nation’s highest legislative body.
