The Election Commission of India (ECI) is set to unveil the schedule for the much-anticipated Lok Sabha elections 2024. This crucial announcement comes as the term of the current government nears its end on June 16.
In the previous Lok Sabha elections held in 2019, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured a significant victory, clinching 303 seats, while the Congress managed to secure 52 seats. With the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) expressing confidence in repeating its success, anticipation for the upcoming polls is high.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing a massive gathering in Kerala, conveyed optimism about the NDA’s performance, proclaiming the expectation to surpass previous records in terms of vote share. He rallied support from Kerala voters, urging them to translate their backing into substantial votes, particularly aiming for double-digit seat wins in the state.
The election process is poised to witness several enhancements aimed at ensuring inclusivity and participation. Notably, the Election Commission has introduced home voting facilities for individuals aged 85 and above, as well as voters with a benchmark disability of 40 per cent or more. Moreover, polling stations will provide volunteers, wheelchairs, and transportation assistance to facilitate voting for eligible voters.
CEC Rajiv Kumar highlighted the challenges faced in conducting free and fair elections, emphasizing the need to address issues such as muscle power, financial influence, misinformation, and violations of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC). The ECI remains dedicated to tackling these obstacles through effective measures and improved coordination with enforcement agencies.
Stay tuned for live updates as the Election Commission of India announces the schedule for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.