Election schedule announced for Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Assam

New Delhi: The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Sunday announced the schedule for the Assembly elections in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Assam and the Union Territory of Puducherry, setting the stage for key political contests across the country.

Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar said polling will be held in phases with elaborate security arrangements and strict enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct, which came into effect immediately after the announcement of the poll schedule.

According to the Commission, Assam, Kerala and Puducherry will go to the polls in a single phase on April 9, while Tamil Nadu will vote on April 23. West Bengal will have a two-phase election on April 23 and April 29. The counting of votes for all the states and the Union Territory will take place on May 4.

The Commission said extensive preparations have been made to ensure free and fair elections, including the deployment of central armed police forces and close monitoring of sensitive polling stations.

Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) along with Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) systems will be used at all polling stations. The poll body said mock polls, randomisation of machines and other safeguards will be implemented to ensure transparency in the voting process.

Officials also said steps are being taken to improve accessibility at polling booths, including ramps and other facilities for elderly and differently-abled voters. Voter awareness campaigns are also being intensified to encourage higher participation.

With the announcement of the schedule, political parties are expected to step up campaign preparations, including finalising alliances and announcing candidates in the coming days.

The Commission also said strict monitoring mechanisms will be in place during the campaign period to curb the misuse of money power, misinformation and violations of the Model Code of Conduct.