With bated breath, India awaits the momentous announcement from the Election Commission of India (ECI) as it gears up to reveal the dates for the highly anticipated 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Scheduled for release on Saturday, March 16, the long-awaited declaration will set in motion the most significant democratic elections in the entire world.
ECI to announce schedule for Lok Sabha elections on Saturday at 3 PM.#LokSabhaElection2024 #ECI #LokSabhaElections #PowerCorridors pic.twitter.com/DMHoSGyW60
— POWER CORRIDORS (@power_corridors) March 15, 2024
Election Commission Prepares for Lok Sabha Elections 2024
Following an exhaustive nationwide assessment of poll readiness across every state, the ECI is poised to unveil the electoral roadmap shaping the contours of the upcoming parliamentary polls on Saturday at 3 PM in New Delhi.
From the bustling metropolises to the remote hinterlands, the Commission’s meticulous survey has traversed every corner of the country to ensure a comprehensive evaluation of electoral preparedness. With all due formalities done, the Election Commission is all set to announce Lok Sabha Election Dates on Saturday, March 16.
Press Conference by Election Commission to announce schedule for #GeneralElections2024 & some State Assemblies will be held at 3 pm tomorrow ie Saturday, 16th March. It will livestreamed on social media platforms of the ECI pic.twitter.com/1vlWZsLRzt
— Spokesperson ECI (@SpokespersonECI) March 15, 2024
Against this backdrop of anticipation, political parties have wasted no time positioning their candidates for the electoral battlefield. With regional and national players jostling for supremacy in the race for the 543 Parliamentary constituencies, the political landscape is abuzz with fervent campaigning and strategic maneuvering.
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Election Commission Busy With Electoral Bonds Data
Amidst the feverish activity on the political front, the ECI has been tasked with additional responsibilities, including handling electoral bond data. In a significant move towards transparency in political funding, the Commission recently made public the data on electoral bonds received from the State Bank of India. Concurrently, efforts are underway to retrieve documents related to electoral bonds previously submitted to the Supreme Court in sealed cover/sealed boxes.
The timing of the Lok Sabha elections holds paramount importance, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir. With the Supreme Court having set a deadline of September 30, 2024, for conducting assembly elections in the Union Territory and restoring statehood, the ECI’s decision-making process assumes added significance. The Commission’s recent visit to Jammu and Kashmir underscores its commitment to meticulously assess the ground realities before finalizing the election schedule.
However, amidst the flurry of speculation surrounding the election dates, the ECI has been compelled to address misinformation circulating on social media platforms. Dismissing a fake message disseminated via WhatsApp purporting to reveal the election schedule, the Commission reiterated that no official announcement has been made yet. Stressing the importance of verifying information before amplifying it, the ECI emphasized its protocol of announcing the election schedule through a formal press conference.
In its ongoing efforts to uphold the integrity of the electoral process, the ECI had previously issued advisories to political parties, urging them to maintain decorum and elevate campaigning to issue-based debates. With a stern directive against appeals based on caste or communal sentiments, the Commission remains steadfast in fostering a fair and transparent electoral environment.