India is establishing democracy on a large scale and celebrating it now. According to the commission, the nation’s election to the 18th Lok Sabha will happen across seven phases, starting on April 19 and ending on June 1, next year. Along with House and Vice President elections, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh are planning to hold assembly elections. For this reason, people in such regions will cast their votes for both Lok Sabha and the Assembly together.
Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Voting Dates
The Lok Sabha of India’s 18th term will have 543 seats that are to be elected. The Election Commission said that the election will take place over seven stages.
- First phase – 19 April 2024
- Second phase – 26 April 2024
- Third phase – 7 May 2024
- Fourth phase – 13 May 2024
- Fifth phase – 20 May 2024
- Sixth phase – 25 May 2024
- Seventh phase – 1 June 2024
Counting date: 4 June 2024 (for Lok Sabha and most assembly elections)
In which states will assembly elections also be held?
This time assembly elections are also being held along with the Lok Sabha elections in four states:
- Andhra Pradesh – 175 assembly seats
- Odisha – 147 assembly seats
- Sikkim – 32 assembly seats
- Arunachal Pradesh – 60 assembly seats
However, the counting of assembly elections of Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh will be done on June 2, 2024. The reason for this decision has been taken keeping in mind the geographical and administrative situation of these states.
One of the longest elections
This election is the second longest election program in the history of India. The decision to conduct voting in seven phases has been taken keeping in mind the logistical challenges and diverse geographical areas of the country.
Voting will take place in every phase in big and influential states such as Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal.
Statement of Chief Election Commissioner
Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar said in a press conference held at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi that the Election Commission has made many new arrangements for the convenience of voters.
The facility of ‘voting from home’ has been provided for senior citizens and disabled voters.
Separate polling stations have also been set up for refugees from Manipur so that they can exercise their franchise.
Election authorities have decided that any violations of the MCC will immediately be dealt with severely.
Major issues and political scenario of states
The main power struggle in the state is expected to happen between YSR Congress and TDP. There is a chance that TDP and similar groups make alliances to challenge YS Jagan Mohan Reddy’s popularity in the state.
The dominance of BJD in Odisha has remained intact for the last several years. The party has been continuously in power under the leadership of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. However, this time BJP has also put in its full strength.
More influence will come from smaller political parties and regional matters in Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh. A competition is taking place in Sikkim between the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) and the Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF), but the BJP is at the forefront in Arunachal Pradesh.
Security and preparations
The Election Commission has decided to deploy adequate security forces to ensure peaceful polling. Special surveillance will be kept at sensitive and hypersensitive polling stations. The arrangements for EVMs and VVPATs have been completed.
Importance of participation in voting
The Chief Election Commissioner has appealed to the voters to vote in large numbers to strengthen democracy. Especially the young voters voting for the first time can play a decisive role in this election.
Conclusion
This confluence of Lok Sabha elections 2024 and assembly elections is a symbol of the strength of Indian democracy. This is a golden opportunity for the voters to decide the future of both the country and their state. The Election Commission has made full preparations for the convenience and security of the voters. Now it is the turn of the countrymen to exercise their franchise and strengthen democracy further.
