Himalaya Harbinger, National Bureau.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has unveiled the schedule for the highly anticipated Lok Sabha Election 2024. The election, spanning 543 constituencies, will be conducted in seven phases, commencing on April 19 and culminating on June 1, with results slated for announcement on June 4. The phase 1 polling will be held on April 19, the second phase on April 26, third phase on May 7, fourth phase on May 13, 5th phase on May 20, 6th phase on May 25 and the last and the 7th phase on June 1. The announcements come within 24 hours of two new election commissioners — Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Sandhu — taking charge.
In a press conference chaired by Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar, along with newly appointed election commissioners Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Sandhu, provided comprehensive insights into the upcoming electoral process. Kumar emphasized the extensive preparedness, stating that 97 crore registered voters, including 47.1 crore women, will have the opportunity to cast their votes. To facilitate a smooth voting experience, 55 lakh Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) will be deployed nationwide.
One notable inclusion in this election is the provision for voters above 85 years and individuals with disabilities meeting a 40% benchmark to exercise their franchise from the comfort of their homes. This marks the first time such an option will be available across the country in a general election.
Addressing the challenges of ‘muscle, money, misinformation, and Model Code of Conduct (MCC) violation,’ Kumar assured the public of the EC’s commitment to curbing violence and ensuring a fair electoral process. Measures such as drone-based surveillance at international borders and the establishment of a network of checkpoints across the country are being implemented to maintain security.
To combat the misuse of money power, differential treatment will be administered in each state, with stringent actions against the distribution of freebies. Financial institutions will monitor suspicious transactions closely and provide daily reports to the EC. Misinformation on social media platforms will be tackled under the IT Act, with states authorized to request the removal of fake posts. The EC also plans to launch a ‘Myth versus Reality’ section on its website.
Politicians were urged to adhere to Model Code of Conduct guidelines, with Kumar cautioning, “Please avoid creating a digital memory of inappropriate statements.”
In addition to the Lok Sabha elections, several states and Union territories, including Arunachal Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Sikkim, Maharashtra, Haryana, Jharkhand, Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh, are scheduled to conduct assembly elections this year.
With the stage set for a fierce political contest, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has set ambitious targets, aiming for ‘400 paar’ seats for the NDA and 370+ seats for the BJP alone.
