Election Commission Announces Poll Dates for 5 States
New Delhi, October 9 – The Election Commission of India (ECI) has unveiled the schedule for Assembly elections in five states, set to take place from November 7 to November 30, with the counting of votes slated for December 3. The election process will conclude on December 5.
The states heading to the polls are Mizoram, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Telangana, and Chhattisgarh.
During a press conference in New Delhi, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar outlined the key dates for each state:
- Madhya Pradesh, with 230 assembly seats, will see polling on November 17.
- Rajasthan, boasting 200 assembly seats, will conduct polling on November 23.
- Telangana, with 119 assembly seats, will hold its election on November 30.
- Mizoram, with 40 assembly seats, is scheduled for polling on November 7.
Notably, Chhattisgarh, with 90 assembly seats, will conduct its election in two phases.
Furthermore, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar highlighted the significance of these elections as they precede the 2024 National Elections. He assured that the ECI would ensure free, fair, and inducement-free elections in these five states.
In addition, Kumar emphasized the participation of young voters, with approximately 60 lakh first-time voters aged 18-19 expected to take part in these elections. There are also 15.39 lakh young voters eligible to participate due to amendments in qualifying dates.
To encourage young voters, over 2,900 polling stations will be managed by youth.
Kumar revealed that the electoral roll reflects inclusivity, with approximately 8.24 crore male voters, 7.88 crore female voters, over 32,000 centenarian voters, and 17.35 lakh voters with disabilities. Notably, female voters surpass male voters in Chhattisgarh and Mizoram, while they are equal in Telangana.
For the upcoming Assembly Elections in 2023 across these five states, a total of 1.77 lakh polling stations will be set up in 679 Assembly constituencies. Moreover, over one lakh polling stations will have webcasting facilities, ensuring transparency in the electoral process. The average number of electors per polling station is well below ECI norms of 1,500 electors per polling station in all five states.
