The Election Commission of India has announced that the 18th Lok Sabha elections, also known as the world's largest election, will be held in seven phases from April 19 to June 1. This exercise will involve close to a billion eligible voters, with over 10 million polling and security personnel being deployed. The Model Code of Conduct is now in place, putting a halt to any government announcements or use of government machinery for electioneering. The Chief Election Commissioner has appealed for all eligible voters, particularly young voters and women voters who make up a significant portion of the electoral roll, to come out and participate in this democratic process.
India's 18th Lok Sabha Elections: A Comprehensive Overview
Background
The Lok Sabha is the lower house of the Indian Parliament and the supreme legislative body of the country. Elections to the Lok Sabha are held every five years to elect representatives from 543 constituencies across the states and union territories of India. The current Lok Sabha, the 17th, was elected in 2014.
Phase-Wise Elections
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced that the 18th Lok Sabha elections will be held in seven phases from April 19 to June 1. This is the largest democratic exercise in the world, involving close to a billion eligible voters. Over 10 million polling and security personnel will be deployed during the elections.
Model Code of Conduct
The ECI has imposed the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) in the lead-up to the elections. The MCC prohibits government announcements or use of government machinery for electioneering. It also restricts political parties and candidates from indulging in hate speech or personal attacks.
Importance of Voter Participation
The Chief Election Commissioner has appealed to all eligible voters to cast their votes. Young voters and women voters, who make up a significant portion of the electoral roll, are particularly encouraged to participate in this democratic process.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers
1. When is the 18th Lok Sabha election being held? Answer: The elections will be held in seven phases from April 19 to June 1.
2. How many eligible voters are there? Answer: Close to a billion eligible voters will participate in the elections.
3. What is the Model Code of Conduct? Answer: The MCC is a set of guidelines that prohibits government announcements, use of government machinery, and hate speech during the election period.
4. What is the significance of the 18th Lok Sabha elections? Answer: These elections will shape the future of India for the next five years and determine the country's leadership.
5. What are the key issues in the election campaign? Answer: Key issues include economic development, unemployment, farmer distress, national security, and corruption.
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