THE high-stakes assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh will be held in seven phases between February 11 and March 8, while Punjab and Goa will go to polls together on February 4, Uttarakhand on February 15 and Manipur in two phases on March 4 and 8, with counting to be held on March 11.
Announcing the poll schedule for five states, Chief Election Commissioner Nasim Zaidi said on Wednesday (January 4) the seven-phased UP Assembly polls for 403 constituencies will be held on February 11, 15, 19, 23, 27, March 4 and 8.
He said over 16 crore people will participate in these polls for a total of 690 constituencies in five states, for which the Commission has set up 1.85 lakh polling stations, which are 15 per cent more than those set up in 2012 polls.
The CEC flanked by the two Election Commissioners A K Joti and O P Rawat announced that the poll process will commence with the issue of notification on January 11 for Punjab and Goa polls where candidates can start filing their nominations.
'The Model Code of Conduct will come into immediate effect and will apply on political parties and state governments concerned, besides the Central government in terms of announcements in these states,' Zaidi told reporters.
The CEC said candidates will have to open a fresh bank account for all election expenses and all expenses above Rs 20,000 will be made through cheques from their respective accounts. He added that all donations will also be accepted through cheques.
The maximum limit for expenses for each candidates in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Uttarakhand is Rs 28 lakh, while that in Goa and Manipur is Rs 20 lakh, he said.
The poll panel said it will strictly monitor the elections in the five states to curb black money and assure free and fair polls by curbing muscle power and abuse of money.
'There will be strict expenditure monitor mechanism to curb black money. The Election Commission of India will ensure level playing field for inclusive, free and fair elections by curbing muscle power and abuse of money,' Zaidi said.
Zaidi also said there will be complete accountability of photo voter slips and this year colourful voter guides will be distributed to each family.
The posters were a statutory requirement at all polling stations, he said.
A voting assistance booth would also be kept at the polling stations.
The Commission, which will launch awareness program in all these five states, urged the various parties and candidates to avoid hazardous materials like plastic in their election campaigns.
'As far as sound pollution is a concern, there will be no use of loudspeakers after 10 p.m. The police and electoral officers will ensure clampdown on it,' Zaidi said.
He also informed that 1,85,000 polling stations will be covered and nearly 160 million voters will participate in the polls.
In wake of the complaint received earlier, the Election Commission has also raised the height of voting compartments to 30-inch for maintaining secrecy.
A separate polling station for women's will be introduced in some places which will be managed by women.
