Assembly  Poll dates for 5 states out; #Assam to vote in 2 phases, Bengal in…7 phases : #ECI 

“Elections will be held in 824 assembly constituencies in the 5 states,” chief election commissioner Nasim Zaidi said during a press conference.

He was accompanied by election commissioners AK Joti and Om Prakash Rawat.

The terms of these five assemblies will end in April and May.

The Model Code of Conduct will be enforced with immediate effect and the governments of the poll-bound states as well as the Centre would not be able to announce any new schemes or programmes that may influence the voters.

Highlights of EC’s press conference

3.36pm:

3.35pm: Polling in Kerala to be held in a single phase on May 16.

Voters: 2.56 crore

Polling booths: 21498

Constituencies: 140

Phase: One

Poll date: May 16

3.27pm: West Bengal elections will be held in 6 phases.

Voters: 6.55 crore

Polling booths: 77247

Constituencies: 294

Phases: 6

Phase 1: 18 seats (Apr 4), 31 seats (Apr 11)

Phase 2: 56 seats (Apr 17)

Phase 3: 62 seats (Apr 21)

Phase 4: 49 seats (Apr 25)

Phase 5: 53 seats (Apr 30)

Phase 6: 25 seats (May 5)

3.25pm: Assam elections will be held in 2 phases. First phase polling will be held on 4th April, second on 11th April.

Constituencies: 126

Voters: 1.98 crore

Polling botths: 25000

Phases: 2

Phase 1: 65 seats, April 4

Phase 2: 61 seats, April 11

3.20pm: As far as possible, in WB and Assam, all polling locations to be monitored by Central Police Forces.

3.19pm: A symbol for NOTA in Assembly Elections, in place of the word

3.17pm: Special polling booths for leprosy affected and for visually challenged. Ramps for disabled in all stations

3.15 pm: At all polling stations seven basic facilities will be ensured says EC. All Women polling stations will be set up.

3.10pm: Total number of voters in the states are as follows:

Assam: 1.98 crore

Kerala : 2.56 crore

Tamil Nadu: 5.8 crore

West Bengal: 6.55 crore

Puducherry: 9.27 lakhs

3.05pm: Seek cooperation from all for adherence to and enforcement of Model Code of Conduct.

3.02pm: ECI is committed to strict enforcement of Model Code of Conduct by all stakeholders for fair and free elections.

3pm: Model Code of Conduct into effect with immediate effect.