NEW DELHI/SHIMLA: Election Commission of India today announced the seven-phased schedule for the 2024 General elections in which 97 crore voters will elect their 543 Lok Sabha MPs for the 18th Lok Sabha. With this model code of conduct has come into force in the country.
Himachal will go to polls on June 1 in a single phase for its four Lok Sabha seats-Shimla,Mandi,Kangra and Hamirpur. Himachal has about 55.56 lakh voters. Presently three seats-Shimla(SC), Kangra, Hamirpur are with the ruling BJP while Mandi seat is with the Congress.
Uttarakhand will go to polls in the first phase on April 19.
Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar and members Gyanesh Kumar Sukhbir Singh Sandhu while addressing the press, emphasized the significance of voter participation and urged citizens to exercise their democratic rights diligently.
With a staggering 97 crore eligible voters, 1.5 crore polling officials, and 10.5 lakh polling stations, this electoral exercise stands as the world's largest movement of manpower and resources. Over 55 lakh Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) are set to be deployed across the nation for this historic event.
Rajive Kumar said the EVM are cent percent safe and dismissed all charges and cases related to the EVMs. He warned of the parties and individuals not to spread fake news and hatred that will be dealt with strictly.
The first phase will start from April and Counting will be on June 4 for all 543 constituencies and state assembly by elections in 21 states. 
With a goal of achieving a staggering 67% voter turnout, the Commission stressed that elections are a fundamental aspect of democracy and belong to the people.
Furthermore, the Commissioner appealed to political parties to maintain ethical standards in campaigning, urging them to refrain from personal attacks and abusive language.
Emphasizing the importance of mature and responsible behavior, the Commission underscored its commitment to fostering a conducive environment for healthy political discourse.
The schedule, announced in three phases, encompasses both by-elections and general elections. Notably, by-elections will be held across twenty-six assembly constituencies in various states, while general elections will cover a vast array of parliamentary constituencies.
Phase one of the general elections is set to commence on 20th March, with subsequent phases rolling out according to a meticulously planned timeline. The schedule delineates specific dates for Gazette notifications, nomination processes, polling days, and result announcements across different phases and regions.
From the southernmost tip of Tamil Nadu to the northern frontier of Jammu and Kashmir, the electoral map outlined by the Commission reflects a comprehensive approach to ensure a smooth and inclusive democratic process.
States like Bihar, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, and others will witness multi-phased polling, while others will have a single-phase election. The final phase of polling is slated for 1st June, with counting scheduled for 4th June nationwide.
ECI concluded the address by expressing gratitude to the press for their role as watchdogs of democracy and encouraged media outlets to disseminate the schedule promptly.
The detailed schedule, along with the Commissioner's remarks, is available for download on the Commission's website, facilitating widespread access to electoral information.
Highlighting the significance of the 2024 elections globally and within India, Kumar underscored the ECI's commitment to upholding electoral integrity and ensuring a smooth electoral process.
The CEC highlighted recent state elections that demonstrated improvements in the electoral process, including enhanced peace and reduced incidents of violence and misinformation. He assured the public of the ECI's commitment to conducting free, fair, and peaceful elections.
Kumar also addressed various challenges such as the misuse of money and muscle power, misinformation, and maintaining a civil discourse during campaigning.
He announced measures to curb these challenges, including stringent enforcement, leveraging technology, and promoting ethical political discourse.
Finally, Kumar announced the schedule for upcoming by-elections and assembly elections in Sikkim, Odisha, Arunachal Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh, which will be held in phases leading up to June 4, 2024.
The CEC concluded by urging citizens to exercise their right to vote responsibly and contribute to the democratic process. He also encouraged the media to disseminate information about the electoral process and guidelines issued by the ECI.
