The Lok Sabha elections for the 25 parliamentary seats in Rajasthan will be held on May 7.

Polling would be held in the entire state in a single phase on the above-mentioned day as per the Election Commission (EC) of India. The counting of ballots in Rajasthan along with those of other states would be done on May 16 to declare the results for the 15th Lok Sabha.

Immediately after the EC declared the schedule of the general elections, chief electoral officer of Rajasthan Vinod Zutshi imposed the model code of conduct in the state, thereby restraining the government from making any political announcements and issuing fresh transfers or postings to its employees.

“Around 3.7 crore voters will be able to cast their votes,” Zutshi said. As many as 42,591 polling booths will be set up across the state. There will be an additional 13.89 lakh voters after the state Assembly elections held in December last year. “The increase in voters is around 2.1%,” Zutshi said.

The election department will issue a formal notification for the general elections in the state on April 11 when filing of nominations would also begin. The last date to file nomination is April 18.

Scrutiny of nominations would be done on April 20. The last date for withdrawing nominations would be April 22 when the final list of candidates in the fray for a Lok Sabha seat would be published and declared.  

A voter who is not yet registered with the department or does not have an election photo identity card can apply for the same till April 18, following which the election department will publish the final electoral rolls.

election code of conduct

The election department can examine the government decision to waive off pending house tax dues, though it clarified routine works shall not be hampered.

The ministers would not be entitled to take a car with red beacon during election campaigning.

The security to the VIPs would remain intact.

No transfer or a fresh posting can be ordered without the election department’s approval.

Political parties can release publicity material in print or electronic media after screening by the department.

Poll details

Day of polls                : May 7
Phase                         :  Single
Nominations open       : April 11
Nominations close      : April 18
Scrutiny                      : April 20
Withdrawal                 : April 22
Results                        : May 16
Electorate                   : 3.69 cr
Polling booths             : 42,591

DNA Correspondent/ DNA-Daily News & Analysis Source: 3D Syndication