New Delhi: The Lok Sabha elections will be held in 7 phases starting April 19, the Election Commission announced today. Results will be declared on June 4.
The term of the present Lok Sabha ends on June 16 and a new House has to be constituted before that.
Here are the answers to the frequently-asked questions on the Lok Sabha elections:
Q: When will voting be held for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls?
Polling will be held in seven phases starting April 19. Phase 1 voting on April 19, Phase 2 on April 26, Phase 3 on May 7, Phase 4 on May 13, Phase 5 on May 20, Phase 6 on May 25 and Phase 7 on June 1.
Q: When will counting of votes be held?
The results will be announced on June 4.
Q: How many people will vote?
A total of 96.8 crore people are eligible to vote in the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha polls, according to the Election Commission of India. This includes 1.8 crore Indians who recently turned 18 and will be eligible to cast their vote for the first-time ever.
Q: Who is eligible to be registered as a voter?
A: To be eligible for voter registration, one must be an Indian citizen, at least 18 years of age, and an ordinary resident of the area concerned.
Q: How can one get registered/enrolled in the electoral roll?
A: To get registered, one needs to file an application in the prescribed Form 6 (Form 6A for overseas Indians) before the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO)/Assistant Electoral Registration Officer (AERO) of the constituency where the applicant resides. The application can be submitted in person, by post, or online through various portals.
Q: How many seats are going to polls?
A: A total of 543 Parliamentary constituencies will go to polls in the upcoming general election. Additionally, four states—Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Odisha, and Sikkim—will vote in Assembly elections alongside the national polls.
Q: What if I can't find my name in the electoral rolls, who do I go to for help?
A: If your name is missing from the electoral rolls, you can contact the nearest Election Commission office or visit the National Voters' Services Portal at www.nvsp.in.
Q: What if I don't have an election card? How do I register? Can I register online?
A: Even without an election ID card, you can still vote using most government-issued photo identity documents. Online registration is possible through various portals.
Q: What is NOTA and when was it introduced? Which state has had the highest number of NOTA votes?
A: NOTA, or "None Of The Above," is a voting option on Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) introduced in October 2013 following a Supreme Court order. Uttar Pradesh has recorded the highest number of NOTA votes in past elections.
Q: What are bellwether seats?
A: Bellwether seats are those that historically vote for the eventual winner. They provide early indications of the election outcome based on sentiment and early trends on counting day.
Q: What is the model code of conduct? When does it come into effect?
A: The model code of conduct is a set of guidelines that candidates, political parties, and governments must follow to ensure fair elections. It comes into effect as soon as the Election Commission announces poll dates.
Stay informed and exercise your right to vote responsibly in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.