Election Commission could announce Lok Sabha polls schedule today
Election Commission may announce Lok Sabha elections schedule today and it could be spread over 7 to 8 phases in April-May.
Media reports reveal poll body is in the final stages of completing the logistical preparations.
The term of current Lok Sabha is to end on June 3.
Earlier media reports revealed, citing sources, the dates could be announced over the weekend or at most by Tuesday.
Abreast of Lok Sabha elections states like Andhra Pradesh and Odisha may have assembly elections too. Same is being expected in Jammu and Kashmir.
Jammu and Kashmir Assembly was dissolved earlier after a ruling coalition between PDP and BJP fell apart and fresh elections need to take place by the end of May in the state.
However, the decision depend lot on the complex security situation in Jammu and Kashmir. Lately tensions have been heightened between India and Pakistan following Pulwama attack on February 14 by terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed.
The term of Sikkim is to end on May 27 and for Andhra Pradesh the end date is June 18. In Odisha and Arunachal Pradesh the term ends on June 11 and June 1 respectively.
In 2004 the Lok Sabha elections were held in four phases while in 2009 it was in five phases. In 2014 the polls were held in nine phases.