Election Commission announces dates for upcoming assembly polls in five states; voting from November 7 to 30, counting on December 3

Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar with Election Commissioners Anup Chandra Pandey and Arun Goel, and others during a press conference for the announcement of schedule of Assembly elections in Mizoram, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Telangana, in New Delhi, Monday, Oct. 9, 2023. PTI Photo

The Election Commission (EC) of India on Monday announced dates for the forthcoming assembly elections in five states, outlining the schedule for voting and vote counting.

In Chhattisgarh, the assembly polls will be conducted in two phases, with voting scheduled for November 7 and November 17, as per the EC's announcement. This phased approach aims to facilitate a smooth and organized electoral process, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), Rajiv Kumar announced while addressing a press conference in the national capital, New Delhi.

Kumar said that Madhya Pradesh will see voting for its assembly elections on November 17; Rajasthan, with its 200 assembly seats, is set to conduct voting on November 23; Telangana will head to the polls on November 30 to select its assembly representatives, with the Election Commission ensuring a timely and efficient election.

Mizoram, Kumar said, will hold its assembly elections on November 7, followed by the counting of votes on December 3, marking the conclusion of the electoral process in the state.

In anticipation of the forthcoming assembly elections, Kumar affirmed the Election Commission's readiness by highlighting several crucial aspects of its preparations.

The five states set to go to assembly polls are Mizoram, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Telangana. The Elections Commission anticipates substantial voter participation, with a staggering 8.2 crore male voters, 7.8 crore female voters, and an impressive 60.2 lakh first-time voters.

Addressing a press conference in the national capital, New Delhi, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar emphasized that the Election Commission has left no stone unturned in its preparations, engaging with all stakeholders, including political parties and enforcement agencies. The commission's objective is to ensure a fair and smooth electoral process that upholds the principles of democracy, he said.

He said that one of the focal points of the Election Commission's efforts has been to ensure inclusive electoral rolls. "The Commission aims to register every eligible voter and enhance the roll-to-poll conversion rate, encouraging a higher turnout during the elections."

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To facilitate the voting process for citizens, the upcoming assembly elections will feature 1.77 lakh polling stations, ensuring accessibility to voters across these states. Additionally, the Commission plans to implement webcasting facilities at 1.01 lakh booths, which will enhance transparency and enable closer monitoring of the electoral process.

The Election Commission is introducing the Election Seizure Management System specifically for these five assembly polls. This system is designed to enhance oversight and curb inducements, ensuring that elections remain free from undue influence.