New Delhi: The Election Commisssion of India announced the schedule of the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.The tenure of the current Lok Sabha ends on June 16 and a new house will have to be constituted before that. Addressing a press conference, Rajiv Kumar, Chief Election Commissioner said, “The entire election machinery has heen trained on all aspects of elections.” There are 95 crore registered voters in India and 10.5 lakh polling stations will be set up manned by 1.5 crore polling officials and security officials. This will be a true festival of democracy, said the CEC saying 55 lakh EVMs and 4 lakh plus vehicles will be used for the polling.Over the years, we have seen peaceful and violence-free polls in India, said the CEC.Here are some statistics:Of the 96.8 crore total electors49.7 crore are male voters47.1 crore female voters1.8 crore first time voters88.4 lakhs PWD19.1 lakh service electors82 lakhs 85+ age voters48,000 transgender 19.74 crore young voters (in the age group of 20-29)2.18 lakhs CentenariansWe are also taking steps to make this election environment-friendly. We are working on reducing wastage, said the CEC.Ahead of elections for 18th Lok Sabha, the Commission emphasised a festive and peaceful voting environment. The Commissions’ efforts have yielded positive outcomes in past elections including reduced repolls, campaign clutter, & swift action against misinformation, said the CEC.He also vowed the election body’s commitment to fair and transparent elections.Stating that the ECI is committed and has put in place measures to deal with the disruptive challenges, CEC Rajiv Kumar said that the daunting challenges in conducting free and fair elections are four-fold, the 4Ms: muscle, money, misinformation, and MCC violations.Rajiv Kumar said that to curb the flow of illicit money, ECI held extensive reviews with enforcement agencies. “In the 2022-23 election cycle, cash seizure surged over 800% to Rs 3,400 crore in 11 states compared to five years ago. Enforcement agencies are directed to crackdown on illicit money, liquor, drugs, and freebies, staying vigilant against disruptive methods,” he stated.The ECI urged parties not to resort to personal attacks and refrain from using foul language. No-go areas in speeches are defined to maintain civility.There are 26 assembly constituencies in the country where by-polls are due. This will take place when parliamentary elections are happening in the region.Assembly Election DatesGeneral Elections to Lok Sabha Dates:Schedule of Lok Sabha poll Phase 1Notification 20 March and last date of withdrawal 30 March and date of Poll April 1 Counting of votes will be on June 4Phase 2Notification March 28Date of poll April 26Phase 3Notification: April 12Date of poll: May 7Phase 4Gazette notification April 18Polling May 13Phase 5Notification: April 26Polling: May 20Phase 6Notification: April 29Polling: May 25Phase 7Notification: May 7Polling date: June 1
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