Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar today announced the much anticipated dates for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections of 2024. The elections will be conducted in seven phases, with the first phase beginning on April 19. This phase will witness voting in 21 states and Union Territories and 102 constituencies, with results set to be declared on June 4.
An anticipated 96.8 crore voters are eligible to vote in the elections. Mr Kumar said that over 10.5 lakh polling stations will be established, supported by a workforce of 1.5 crore polling officials and security personnel.
Mr Kumar outlined four challenges posed by the 4Ms - muscle, money, misinformation, and MCC violations - in conducting smooth and fair elections.
For the first time in India's electoral history, voters aged above 85 will have the option to vote from their homes. The Election Commission has also pledged to ensure basic amenities such as drinking water and sanitation facilities at all polling booths.
The current Lok Sabha's term ends on June 16.
In the 2019 general elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured 303 seats while the Congress managed to win 52.
