In a significant political development, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has officially unveiled the dates for the upcoming Assembly elections in five key states—Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Telangana, and Mizoram. These elections hold immense importance as they serve as a critical prelude to the General Elections in 2024.
Here’s a breakdown of the election schedule:
- Chhattisgarh: The electoral process in Chhattisgarh will span two phases, with voting set to take place on November 7 and November 17.
- Madhya Pradesh: The state of Madhya Pradesh will exercise its democratic right on November 17.
- Rajasthan: Rajasthan residents will cast their votes on November 23.
- Telangana: Voters in Telangana will head to the polls on November 30.
- Mizoram: The picturesque state of Mizoram will see its election day on November 7.
Notably, Chhattisgarh and Mizoram will conduct their elections in a single phase, while the other states will hold their elections in one phase each.
Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar, addressing the press in New Delhi, emphasized the significance of these five state elections. Collectively, they account for nearly one-sixth of the total voters in the country, totaling approximately 160 million voters. This includes 82 million male voters and 78 million female voters. An estimated 6 million first-time voters and 1.5 million young voters will also participate in the electoral process due to amendments in qualifying dates.
Counting of votes for all five states is scheduled for December 3, providing a crucial outcome ahead of the General Elections.
To ensure the democratic process unfolds smoothly, a staggering 17,70,00 polling stations will be set up across these five states. Impressively, over 8,000 polling stations will be managed by women, reflecting a commitment to gender inclusivity.
Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar underscored the importance of these unique elections, noting that they serve as a precursor to the highly anticipated Lok Sabha elections.
The ECI has diligently engaged with all stakeholders, including political parties and enforcement agencies, in preparation for the assembly elections in Mizoram, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Telangana.
The Election Commission has placed special emphasis on making electoral rolls inclusive and accessible, with a focus on ensuring maximum voter turnout. These assembly elections are poised to play a crucial role in shaping the political landscape in these states and setting the stage for India’s larger electoral journey in the coming years.