As it happened: EC announces poll dates for 5 states
The Election Commission on Friday announced the schedule for assembly elections in West Bengal, Kerala, Assam, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. “Elections will be held in 824 assembly constituencies in the 5 states. The counting day for all 5 states is May 19,” chief election commissioner Nasim Zaidi said during a press conference.
The Election Commission on Friday announced the schedule for assembly elections in West Bengal, Kerala, Assam, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.
“Elections will be held in 824 assembly constituencies in the 5 states. The counting day for all 5 states is May 19,” chief election commissioner Nasim Zaidi said during a press conference.
He was accompanied by election commissioners AK Joti and Om Prakash Rawat.
The terms of these five assemblies will end in April and May.
The Model Code of Conduct will be enforced with immediate effect and the governments of the poll-bound states as well as the Centre would not be able to announce any new schemes or programmes that may influence the voters.
All you need to know about the elections in five states
824 - Total assembly seats in 5 states
17 crore voters
Symbol for NOTA introduced
Poll dates: April 4 - May 16
Counting Day: May 19
1) Assam
Constituencies: 126
Voters: 1.98 crore
Polling botths: 25000
Phases: 2
Phase 1: 65 seats, April 4
Phase 2: 61 seats, April 11
2) West Bengal
Voters: 6.55 crore
Polling booths: 77247
Constituencies: 294
Phases: 6
Phase 1: 18 seats (Apr 4), 31 seats (Apr 11)
Phase 2: 56 seats (Apr 17)
Phase 3: 62 seats (Apr 21)
Phase 4: 49 seats (Apr 25)
Phase 5: 53 seats (Apr 30)
Phase 6: 25 seats (May 5)
3) Tamil Nadu
Voters: 5.8 crore
Polling booths: 65616
Constituencies: 234
Phase: One
Poll date: May 16
4) Kerala
Voters: 2.56 crore
Polling booths: 21498
Constituencies: 140
Phase: One
Poll date: May 16
5) Puducherry
Voters: 9,27,000
Polling booth: 913
Constituencies: 30
Phase: One
Dates: May 16
Highlights of EC’s press conference
3.37pm: Counting day for all 5 states to be May 19.
3.37pm: Polling in Puducherry to take place on May 16.
3.36pm: Tamil Nadu assembly elections to be held on May 16.
3.35pm: Polling in Kerala to be held in a single phase on May 16.
3.27pm: West Bengal elections will be held in 6 phases.
3.25pm: Assam elections will be held in 2 phases. First phase polling will be held on 4th April, second on 11th April.
3.20pm: As far as possible, in WB and Assam, all polling locations to be monitored by Central Police Forces.
3.19pm: A symbol for NOTA in Assembly Elections, in place of the word
3.17pm: Special polling booths for leprosy affected and for visually challenged. Ramps for disabled in all stations
3.15 pm: At all polling stations seven basic facilities will be ensured says EC. All Women polling stations will be set up.
3.10pm: Total number of voters in the states are as follows:
Assam: 1.98 crore
Kerala : 2.56 crore
Tamil Nadu: 5.8 crore
West Bengal: 6.55 crore
Puducherry: 9.27 lakhs
3.05pm: Seek cooperation from all for adherence to and enforcement of Model Code of Conduct.
3.02pm: ECI is committed to strict enforcement of Model Code of Conduct by all stakeholders for fair and free elections.
3pm: Model Code of Conduct into effect with immediate effect.