Assembly Election 2023: Polling In 5 Poll-Bound States To Be Held on November 7, 17, 23, 30; Results On December 3

Assembly Elections 2023 Full Schedule: According to the EC, voting in five states - Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Telangana, and Mizoram - will begin on November 7 and the counting of votes will be held on December 3, 2023.

NEW DELHI: The Election Commission of India (ECI) held a highly-anticipated press conference on Monday to unveil the crucial schedule for the upcoming Assembly Elections in five states: Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Telangana, and Mizoram. The poll panel said that the assembly elections in 5 states will begin from November 7 and the resuks will be declared on December 3. Importantly, polling in Chhattisgarh will be held in two phases, starting from November 7.

Assembly Election 2023: Here Are The Polling Dates

Mizoram - November 7
Chhattisgarh - November 7 and 17
Madhya Pradesh - November 17
Rajasthan - November 23
Telangana - November 30

Declaration Of Results

 The Election Commission will commence the counting of votes on December 3. The results of the Assembly Elections in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Telangana, and Mizoram will be declared on the same day, providing the nation with a clear picture of the electoral outcome. The electoral process will be completed by December 5, said CEC Rajiv Kumar.

With political fervour rising and the nation eagerly awaiting these elections, the Commission's announcement marks a significant milestone in India's democratic process. In a packed press briefing, the Chief Election Commissioner of India, Rajiv Kumar, alongside his fellow commissioners, addressed the media and the nation. The commission began by emphasizing the significance of these elections and their commitment to conducting free, fair, and transparent polls.

"[India] has a rich democratic tradition, and the Election Commission is determined to uphold the sanctity of our electoral process," CEC Rajiv Kumar stated. "The 2024 Assembly Elections in these five states will reflect our unwavering dedication to democracy and the will of the people." "We have met all stakeholders, including political parties and enforcement agencies, ahead of five assembly polls," Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar said while addressing the press conference.

"The elections in Mizoram, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, MP, Telangana will have 8.2 crore male and 7.8 crore female voters. Out of these, 60.2 lakh are first-time voters," the Chief Election Commissioner said.

CEC Rajiv Kumar said that around 60 lakh first-time voters (18-19 Yrs) will participate in elections in the five states. "~15.39 Lakh young voters are eligible to participate in elections due to amendment on qualifying dates. To inspire young voters, over 2900 polling stations will be managed by youth," he said. 

To inspire young voters, over 2900 polling stations will be managed by youth, CEC Rajiv Kumar said adding, "50% of polling booths will have the webcasting facility which will be available at 1.01 lakh booths.'' He said that 17,734 model polling stations will be set up across five states.

Polls In J&K

Referring to J&K, the poll panel chief said, "The Election Commission will decide on J&K elections at the right time while keeping in mind the security situation and other elections there." 

With the announcement of poll dates by the Chief Election Commissioner, the Model Code of Conduct has come into force in all 5 poll-bound states. The elections to five states are crucial as they are being held months before the Lok Sabha elections in April-May next year.

With a total of 679 seats at stake across these states, these elections hold significant implications for the political landscape of India. The Commission urged all eligible voters to participate actively in the democratic process, ensuring that their voices are heard in shaping the future of their states.

Congress and BJP are the key players in Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. Telangana is expected to witness a triangular contest between the ruling Bharat Rashtra Samithi, Congress and BJP.