Lok Sabha Election 2024: Election Dates Expected Mid-March, Commission Evaluating State Preparations

*New Delhi:* Political parties across the country are gearing up for this year's Lok Sabha elections. Candidates have been announced for all seats in various states. Meanwhile, the Election Commission is also busy giving final touches to preparations.

The Election Commission is currently assessing election preparations by touring various states. Sources connected to the commission have provided significant information. According to sources, the Election Commission may announce the dates for the Lok Sabha elections in the second or third week after March 9.

Election Program Could Mirror 2019

Sources close to the Election Commission suggest that the preparations being made by the officials indicate that the calendar for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections could resemble that of 2019. During the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the announcement of election dates was made on March 10. Voting took place in seven phases between April 11 and May 19 in various states, followed by the announcement of election results on May 23.

According to commission sources, this time as well, the announcement of election dates could be made anytime after March 9. Along with the Lok Sabha elections, some states are also scheduled to have assembly elections. Therefore, the Election Commission is scrutinizing election preparations thoroughly. Commission officials are actively touring various states to assess election preparations.

Major Challenge for Security in Jammu and Kashmir

In the second week of March, the Election Commission's team will visit Jammu and Kashmir. Commission officials will gather information about the security situation and the availability of security forces in Jammu and Kashmir. Between March 8 and 9, the team will hold meetings with state government officials.

Subsequently, the Election Commission's team will also assess the ground situation in different areas of Jammu and Kashmir on March 12 and 13. During this period, the commission officials will decide whether assembly elections can also be held along with the Lok Sabha elections in the state, depending on the availability of security forces.

Team to Visit Bihar, Followed by West Bengal and Jharkhand

Meanwhile, the Election Commission's team has arrived in Bihar to assess preparations. According to sources, the team will hold meetings with senior officials of the state for two days to review the preparations. Additionally, discussions will be held on conducting impartial and independent elections in the state.

Commission sources state that Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar and Arun Goyal are touring various states to assess election preparations. After Bihar, the commission's team will visit West Bengal and Jharkhand.

Commission's Tour Initiated in January

The commission's officers began their election tour in January. They visited Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh in the first phase. In the second phase, the team toured Odisha. In February, the team has been busy visiting several states. In the second week of March, the Election Commission's team will visit Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, and Jammu and Kashmir.