Lok Sabha Elections 2024: In a significant move, the Election Commission of India (ECI) is gearing up for the announcement of the Lok Sabha election dates, with its top officials conducting crucial meetings and inspections across various states. Sources suggest that after March 9, the ECI is likely to unveil the schedule for the General elections, anticipated to occur in April and May.Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Ongoing Preparations for upcoming pollsAs part of the meticulous preparations for the Lok Sabha elections in 2024 and concurrent Assembly polls in select states, a dedicated team of ECI officials is currently on a series of visits to states. These visits serve as a final assessment of the electoral landscape and logistical readiness.Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Focus on security of Jammu and Kashmir Sources reveal that ECI representatives are scheduled to meet government officials on March 8-9 to discuss the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir and assess the availability of necessary forces. This crucial step underscores the commissions commitment to ensuring a secure and well-organized electoral process.Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Evaluation visit to Jammu and KashmirFurther emphasizing their commitment to comprehensive planning, ECI officials are set to visit Jammu and Kashmir on March 12-13. The primary objective of this visit is to assess the on-ground situation, specifically exploring the feasibility of conducting Assembly polls in tandem with the Lok Sabha elections. The decision, sources note, will be contingent upon the availability of adequate forces.Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Parallel with 2019 election calendarThe planned visits to different states by ECI officials strongly suggest a parallel with the election calendar of 2019. In that year, the announcement of Lok Sabha elections occurred on March 10, with polling conducted in seven phases from April 11 to May 19. The election results were declared on May 23.As the ECI intensifies its on-ground assessments and engages in pivotal discussions with government officials, all eyes are on the impending announcement that will set the stage for the democratic exercise in the worlds largest democracy.
