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The Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced a significant change to the upcoming by-elections in 14 assembly constituencies, postponing the polling date from November 13th to November 20th. This decision was made in response to numerous representations received from various political parties, including the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Indian National Congress (INC), Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), and Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD), along with certain social organizations. These parties and organizations cited concerns about large-scale social, cultural, and religious engagements scheduled for the original polling day, November 13th, which they argued could cause inconvenience to a substantial number of individuals, create logistical challenges, and potentially lead to a decrease in voter turnout.
The ECI, after carefully considering these concerns and the submitted representations, determined that shifting the polling date would be in the best interest of ensuring a smooth and fair election process. The new polling date, November 20th, is expected to provide a less congested calendar for voters, allowing them to participate in the elections without being hindered by competing events. Despite the date change, the ECI has confirmed that the date of counting will remain unchanged, scheduled for November 23rd, with the final completion of the poll process taking place on November 25th.
This decision highlights the importance of considering logistical and societal factors when planning elections, particularly when these events coincide with significant religious or cultural observances. By adjusting the polling date, the ECI seeks to maximize voter participation and minimize disruptions, thereby ensuring a fair and transparent electoral process. The delay, however, will likely require further logistical adjustments and coordination to ensure the timely completion of the election process while adhering to the established timelines.
Source: Polls rescheduled in 14 assembly constituencies to November 20: ECI