New Delhi: With close to 900 million voters, the biggest democracy in the world is officially entering the election fever. The Election Commission of India (ECI) has declared the dates for elections to the 17th Lok Sabha.
Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sunil Arora said that the 1st phase of election will be on April 11 and the results will be counted on 23rd May.
According to the CEC the dates are as follows
1st Phase – 11th April
2nd Phase – 18th April
3rd Phase – 23rd April
4th Phase – 29th April
5th Phase – 6th May
6th Phase – 12th May
7th Phase – 19th May
In a first, the poll buttons will have pictures of the candidates displayed.
CEC Sunil Arora said that the model code of conduct has begun with effect from today. He added that the social media will also come under the model code of conduct.
He declared that Jammu and Kashmir will have a five phase elections. However, he said State Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir would not take place for the time.
The Election Commission said, “This marks an increase of 84.3 million voters since 2014. There are 15 million voters in the age group of 18-19. The number of polling booth has also increased from 9 lakhs to 10 lakhs.”
Tenure of the 16th Lok Sabha will end on June 3rd.
