Marking the beginning of an intense electoral battle, the Election Commission of India (EC) on March 16, unveiled the highly anticipated schedule for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
In a comprehensive press conference, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar revealed that the world’s largest democratic exercise will unfold in a staggered manner across seven phases, commencing on April 19 and culminating with the declaration of results on June 4.
Phase 1 (April 19): The opening salvo will be fired on April 19, with polling taking place in 97 constituencies spread across 13 states and union territories, including Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Chhattisgarh, Jammu and Kashmir, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, Odisha, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Phase 2 (April 23): The electoral marathon will continue on April 23, as 109 constituencies across 10 states and union territories go to the polls. The states involved in this phase are Assam, Bihar, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Odisha, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and the Union Territory of Puducherry.
Phase 3 (April 27): The third phase, slated for April 27, will witness voting in 115 constituencies spanning 12 states and union territories, including Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli.
Phase 4 (May 3): On May 3, the electoral exercise will continue in 107 constituencies across 9 states, namely Bihar, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal.
Phase 5 (May 8): The penultimate phase, scheduled for May 8, will involve polling in 86 parliamentary constituencies across 7 states and union territories, including Delhi, Haryana, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal.
Phase 6 (May 11): The final phase, slated for May 11, will cover 59 seats in 7 states and union territories, comprising Bihar, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and the Union Territory of Chandigarh.
Phase 7 (May 19): In a historic move, the EC has announced an additional seventh phase on May 19, dedicated solely to the states of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, which together account for 120 Lok Sabha seats. This phase will witness polling in these two politically crucial states, setting the stage for a high-stakes showdown between rival parties.
Counting of Votes (June 4): The culmination of this mammoth exercise will occur on June 4, when the fate of candidates from various political parties will be unveiled, and the composition of the 18th Lok Sabha will be determined.
Simultaneous State & Lok Sabha Elections and By-polls:
In addition to the Lok Sabha elections, simultaneous assembly polls will be held in the states of Sikkim, Odisha, Arunachal Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh. Furthermore, by-elections will take place for 26 assembly seats across multiple states, including Bihar, Gujarat, Haryana, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Tamil Nadu.
Focus on Responsible Campaigning and Media Guidelines:
Emphasizing the importance of responsible behavior, CEC Rajiv Kumar urged political parties to verify information before amplifying it on social media, particularly in the context of combating fake news. The EC has also issued guidelines for the media, mandating a clear distinction between political advertisements and news content. Candidates will receive individual messages regarding these guidelines, with the commission deploying 2,100 advisors to monitor compliance and take necessary action.
Special Provisions for Elderly and Disabled Voters:
In a move to facilitate greater inclusivity, the EC has made special provisions for voters above the age of 85 and individuals with disabilities of 40% or more. These voters will have the option to exercise their franchise from the comfort of their homes. Approximately 82 lakh voters fall into the category of those aged above 85.
Logistical Challenges and Election Preparedness:
Conducting elections in the world’s largest democracy is a monumental task, and the EC faces challenges related to logistics, security arrangements, and adherence to the Model Code of Conduct. CEC Rajiv Kumar assured the nation that the commission is fully prepared, with 55 lakh Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) set to be deployed across the country. Additionally, the voter list will be updated by April 1, with India boasting 98.8 crore registered voters, including 1.8 crore first-time voters.
The announcement of the 2024 Lok Sabha poll schedule has set the stage for an intense political battle, with parties gearing up for extensive campaigns and voter outreach efforts. As the nation embarks on this democratic exercise, the onus lies on all stakeholders to ensure a free, fair, and inclusive process. The outcome of these elections will shape the country’s future trajectory, making it a pivotal moment in India’s democratic journey.
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