LS Polls to be held in 7 phases; polling starts 19 April, counting on June 4

The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Saturday announced dates for the seven-phase Lok Sabha election, setting the stage for the big electoral battle.The poll body also declared election dates for legislative assemblies in four states namely Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim. Bye-elections to 26 assembly constituencies will be held along with the Lok Sabha elections.

Votes will be counted on June 4, 2024.While the first phase of Lok Sabha election will be held on April 19, 2024 the last phase of the election will take place on June 1.

With the announcement of the poll dates, the model code of conduct has come into force.
The term of 17th Lok Sabha is due to expire on 16th June, 2024. The term of legislative assemblies of Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim is also expiring in June this year.

Announcing the poll dates, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar said that there are 96.8 electorates in the country of which 49.7 crore are male and 47.1 crore are female.Responding to question from the media, Kumar dismissed concerns raised around EVMs saying they are "100% safe".

As per the poll schedule, election to Andhra Pradesh assembly will be held on May 13, 2024. In Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim, assembly election will be held on April 19. Election to Odisha legislative assembly will take place in four phases on May 13, May 20, May 25 and June 1.(UNI)<>