New Delhi [India], May 25 (HBTV): The Election Commission of India on Sunday announced the schedule for bye-elections to fill vacancies in Assembly constituencies across Gujarat, Kerala, Punjab, and West Bengal.
Polling will be held on June 19, and votes will be counted on June 23.
In Gujarat, bye-elections will be conducted in the Kadi and Visavadar constituencies to fill the vacancies left by the death of Karsanbhai Punjabhai Solanki in February and the resignation of Bhayani Bhupendrabhai Gandubhai.
In Kerala, the Nilambur constituency will go to polls to fill the seat vacated by PV Anvar, an LDF-backed MLA who resigned in January. Anvar was appointed convenor of the Kerala unit of the Trinamool Congress (TMC).
Punjab will witness a bye-election in the Ludhiana West constituency following the death of Gurpreet Bassi Gogi in January.
In West Bengal, the Kaliganj seat will be contested after the demise of Nasiruddin Ahamed due to cardiac arrest in February.
Earlier, on May 23, the Election Commission issued two new instructions aimed at improving voter convenience and streamlining poll day arrangements. These include provisions for mobile phone deposit facilities outside polling stations and revised norms for canvassing.
Acknowledging the widespread use of mobile phones and the challenges faced by voters—particularly senior citizens, women, and PwD electors—the Commission has decided to allow voters to deposit their mobile phones in designated pigeonhole boxes or jute bags placed outside polling stations. Mobile phones will not be allowed inside the polling station and must be switched off within 100 meters of the premises.
However, Returning Officers may exempt certain polling stations from this provision based on local conditions. Rule 49M of the Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961, ensuring secrecy of voting, will continue to be strictly enforced.
Additionally, to improve facilitation on election day, the Commission has rationalised canvassing norms. Electioneering will not be permitted within 100 meters of any polling station on polling day. Booths set up by candidates for issuing unofficial identity slips to electors must also remain beyond this 100-meter boundary.
The Election Commission of India, under the chairmanship of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi, reaffirmed its commitment to conducting elections in strict compliance with the legal framework, while introducing innovations to improve voter experience.
(ANI)