Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Polls To Be Held From 19 April In 7 Phases, Results On June 4; Election Commission Unveils Schedule

X: @the_news_21

In a highly anticipated move, the Chief Elections Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar announced on Saturday the schedule for the 18th Lok Sabha elections, slated to be conducted in seven phases. The electoral process is set to commence on April 19, with the final tallying of votes scheduled for June 4.

A staggering count of approximately 97 crore voters are expected to exercise their franchise across 543 Lok Sabha constituencies nationwide. With the announcement of election dates, the moral code of conduct immediately comes into effect, ushering in a period of heightened scrutiny and adherence to electoral guidelines.

Alongside the national elections, voters in Andhra Pradesh, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Odisha, and Jammu and Kashmir will also cast their ballots for Assembly elections, adding further significance to the electoral exercise.

Addressing the press conference alongside Election Commissioners Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, CEC Rajiv Kumar underscored the solemn responsibility entrusted to the Election Commission by the Constitution. He reaffirmed the Commission’s unwavering commitment to conducting fair and transparent elections, pledging diligence in upholding democratic principles.

The sheer scale of the electoral process is staggering, with an extensive network of infrastructure and personnel deployed to ensure its smooth execution. Approximately 10.5 lakh polling stations will be operational, manned by 1.5 crore polling officials and security staff. Over 55 lakh Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and 4 lakh vehicles will facilitate the voting process across the nation.

CEC Rajiv Kumar also highlighted the significant challenges posed by various factors, encapsulated as the “4Ms”: physical might, financial resources, dissemination of false information, and breaches of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC). In response, the Election Commission has implemented robust measures to address these obstacles and safeguard the integrity of the electoral process.

Reflecting on past electoral outcomes, the BJP emerged victorious in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, securing a resounding mandate with 303 seats out of 543. The National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by the BJP, clinched a total of 353 seats, reaffirming Narendra Modi as Prime Minister for a second consecutive term. Meanwhile, the opposition Indian National Congress faced a setback, securing only 52 seats.

As the electoral battleground heats up, major national parties have intensified their campaign efforts. Notable contenders include the All India Trinamool Congress, Bahujan Samaj Party, Bharatiya Janata Party, Communist Party of India, Communist Party of India (Marxist), Indian National Congress, and Nationalist Congress Party, among others.

Also Read: Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Election Commission To Announce Poll Dates Now; Watch Here