Himachal Pradesh Assembly Elections Schedule Highlights: 1.86L first time voters to exercise their franchise in 2022
After the February-March elections - in five states - captured the nation's attention, and kept the political parties on their toes, the year is set to end on a high note too with political temperatures running high Himachal Pradesh. Polling in Himachal Pradesh will take place on November 12, and the counting of votes will be held on December 8. Filing of nominations will begin on October 17 and continue till October 25; withdrawals till October 29....Read More
There are over 55 lakh eligible voters in Himachal Pradesh for 68 assembly seats. 1.86 lakh of these are first-time voters whereas 1.22 lakh aged 80-plus, said the EC while announcing the polling dates.
Earlier this year, the BJP had retained four of five states where polls were held. While it made a comeback in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Manipur and Goa for a consecutive term, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) won big in Punjab.
When was the last Assembly election held in Himachal Pradesh?
Himachal Pradesh voted to elect its legislative assembly on November 9, 2017.
BJP and Cong have given alternate govts in Himachal for over 30 yrs
Himachal Pradesh has a 68-member assembly and the BJP had won a clear majority by winning 44 seats in the 2017 elections. The Congress managed to win 21 seats, Independents bagged two seats and the CPI(M) emerged victorious on one seat.
In percentage terms, the BJP won 48.79 per cent of the total valid votes, followed by the Congress (41.68 per cent) and Independents (6.34 per cent).
The BJP and the Congress have given alternate governments in the hill state for over three decades.
Why Gujarat poll not announced with Himachal Pradesh?
Contrary to expectations, the Election Commission of India on Friday did not announce the polls for the Gujarat assembly.
When asked reporters why the poll panel did not announce Gujarat election dates along with Himachal Pradesh, Kumar said the commission was following past precedence in keeping the announcing in abeyance the schedule for the Gujarat assembly.
The term of the Gujarat assembly ends on February 18, 2023, while the term of the Himachal assembly will end on January 8, 2023.
Here's a look at the key dates for assembly polls in Himachal Pradesh
Issue of Gazette notification: October 17 (Monday)
Last date of filing nominations: October 25 (Tuesday)
Date for scrutiny of nominations: October 27 (Thursday)
Last date to withdraw candidature: October 29 (Saturday)
Polling in all 68 constituencies: November 12 (Saturday)
Counting of votes: December 8 (Thursday)
Date before which election shall be completed: December 15 (Thursday)
Term of current assembly ending on: January 8, 2023 (Sunday)
Himachal Pradesh to go to polls on November 12
Himachal Pradesh to go to polls on November 12, counting of votes on December 8.
1.86L first time voters in Himachal Pradesh
EC sets up social media teams to curb spread of fake news
“Social media teams set up to keep a strict watch on fake news and poll-related rumours,” says EC.
ECI Suvidha Portal to provide online nomination & affidavit facility to candidates/political parties
ECI Suvidha Portal to provide online nomination & affidavit facility to candidates/political parties. Permissions for rallies, meetings, etc. can also be applied online through this portal.
Home voting facility for these citizens
“Home voting facility is will also be available for 80+ years and PwD voter with benchmark 40% disability,” says EC.
100% women-oriented polling booth in every assembly
There be at least 1 polling booth in every assembly that will be completely managed by women - including security officials.
4 chances in a year to enroll as a voter
“Now youngsters get 4 chances in a year to enroll as a voter. There will be 4 qualifying dates in a year as eligibility to register as a voter instead of a single qualifying date. Advance Application Facility for 17+ youngsters also,” says EC.
EC stresses the importance of ‘clean electoral roll’
Special proactive steps were taken for registration of PWD, senior citizens and transgender community in electoral role, informs EC.
Free, fair polls our focus, says EC
Live updates on EC presser here
What role will AAP play in Gujarat and Himachal assembly elections?
In the upcoming state elections, The AAP is looking to set foot in Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh.
In Gujarat, AAP could not open its account in the previous Assembly elections. After a massive victory in Punjab, the party is looking to spread its wings to other parts of the country.
When was the last Assembly election held in Himachal Pradesh?
Himachal Pradesh voted to elect its legislative assembly on November 9, 2017.
When was the last Assembly election held in Gujarat?
The 14th Gujarat Legislative Assembly election was held on December 9 and 14 in 2017 to elect the Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLA). The votes were counted on 18 December.
Poll preparedness review by EC chief conducted last month
Last month, the Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar and Election Commissioner Anup Chandra Pandey visited Gujarat and Himachal to review poll preparedness.
Himachal Pradesh Assembly Election: A look at the current state assembly
In the last assembly election held in 2017, BJP secured 44 seats while Congress got 21. The two will face a challenge from AAP which is looking to set foot in the state in the elections.
Himachal Pradesh assembly has 68 seats
The Himachal Pradesh state assembly has 68 seats and 35 are needed to win majority to form a government.
Gujarat legislative assembly has 182 seats
The Gujarat legislative assembly has 182 seats, with 27 marked for scheduled tribes and 13 for schedule castes. Ninety-two seats are needed to form the government.
EC to hold press brief around 3 pm to announce Gujarat, Himachal poll schedule
The Election Commission will announce the poll schedule of Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh state elections in a press briefing at around 3 pm.
