Election Commission Issues Notification for First Phase of Lok Sabha Elections

New Delhi: The Election Commission, acting on behalf of the President, has set the wheels in motion for the first phase of the Lok Sabha elections, with the nomination process commencing on Wednesday. This phase covers 102 parliamentary constituencies spanning 21 states and Union territories, with polling scheduled for April 19.

Nomination Timeline

The notification stipulates that the last date for filing nomination papers is March 27, except for Bihar where a festival extends the deadline to March 28. Notably, four out of Bihar’s 40 seats will undergo polling in this initial phase. Scrutiny of nomination papers will occur on March 28, except for Bihar which is slated for March 30.

Withdrawal of Candidature

Candidates have until March 20 to withdraw their candidature, except for Bihar where the deadline is April 2.

Upcoming Election Phases

The Lok Sabha elections, marking the 18th installment, will proceed with subsequent phases on April 26, May 7, May 13, May 20, May 25, and June 1. The culmination of this electoral exercise will be the counting of votes on June 4.

States in the First Phase

States and Union territories where polling will occur in the first phase include Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Jammu and Kashmir, Lakshadweep, and Puducherry.