Lok Sabha Poll Dates Announced, Check Election Commission’s 10-Point Advisory for Political Parties – News18

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced the extensive schedule for the upcoming Lok Sabha election, assembly elections, and by-polls to be held across the country from April to June. With this announcement, the Model Code of Conduct has immediately been put into effect, prohibiting the ruling government from making any new policy decisions.

In a 10-point advisory, the commissioner has urged political parties to maintain civility during the electoral season, refraining from personal attacks, foul language, and crossing lines of rivalry.

Here are the key points of EC’s advisory to political parties:

1. To foster political discourse which inspires rather than divide

2. Issue-based campaigning

3. No hate speeches

4. No caste or religious appeals

5. No criticism of any aspect of private life

6. Pattern of past model code of conduct violations to prepare grounds for civilised campaigning in General Election 2024

7. To refrain from unverified and misleading advertisement

8. No masquerading of advertisement as news

9. Restraint on social media posts vilifying/insulting rivals

10. Responsibility on star campaigning to maintain decorum

The general elections will take place in seven phases, starting from April 19 and ending on June 1. Additionally, four states – Arunachal Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Sikkim – will hold simultaneous Assembly elections.

According to the election body, there are 97.8 crore eligible voters, with 49.72 crore being male and 47.1 crore female. As many as 1.5 crore polling officials will be deployed across 10.5 lakh polling stations, and over 55 lakh EVMs will be utilised.