The Lok Sabha elections will be conducted in seven phases starting from 11th April, announced the Election Commission. The dates were declared during the press conference held today by Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora. Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim and Odisha will have Assembly polls along with the Lok Sabha election.

“The first phase of polling would be held on 11th April, 2nd phase on 18th April, 3rd phase on 23rd April, 4th phase on 29th April, 5th phase polling on 6th May, 6th phase polling on 12th May, 7th phase on 12th May. Counting of all phases on 23rd May,” said the Chief Election Commissioner.

Image courtesy: Rajkamal Aich

He also informed that the counting of votes will be done on May 23. The gazette notification regarding the election will be issued on March 18, while the model code of conduct will come into effect from today.

Approximately 10 lakh polling stations, one lakh more than in 2014, will be set up and a total of 17.4 lakh VVPATs will be used with electronic voting machines (EVMs) in all polling stations, said the Chief Election Commissioner.

"The Election Commission has attempted a very comprehensive preparation for the conduct of the election", he said.

"The panel believes that purity of electoral roll is the foundation of fair elections," he added.

The announcement comes as the term of the present Loksabha is set to get over on June 3, 2019.

Image courtesy: Rashmi Singh

The election, which the Chief Election Commissioner termed as the "largest festival of democracy" will see about 90 crore voters, a significant rise from 81.45 crores in 2014. This will also include over 1.5 crore voters belonging to the 18-19 age group.

(With IANS inputs)

First Published:Mar 10, 2019 5:33 PM IST