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Lok Sabha Election Dates: 25 October 1951 and 21 February 1952 are very important to remember in the political history of India. In fact, only four months had passed when the first Lok Sabha elections were held in the country. However, the country has not always gone through such a long election period. There was a time in 1980 when elections were over in just 4 days. Now when India is preparing for the 18th Lok Sabha elections in 2024, it has become necessary to turn the pages of history.
2024 election schedule
The Election Commission of India (ECI) announced the election dates on Saturday. Under this, elections will be held in 7 phases, which will start from April 19 and continue till June 1. The result will be declared on June 4. The special thing is that this is the second longest election in India, which will last for 44 days.
Country's first election process
In the Lok Sabha elections of 1951-52, Congress became the largest party by winning 364 seats. While CPI was at second position with 16 seats. Elections were held in 68 phases for 489 seats over a period of approximately 120 days. It is said that a mock election was also held in September 1951 as most of the public was not aware of the electoral process.
What is the reason for such a long election?
The first Lok Sabha elections lasted for almost 4 months due to logistical challenges and weather in 401 parliamentary constituencies across 25 states. When the results were declared. It is also said that even though the election process started on October 25, the highest turnout took place during January-February.
When elections were held in just 4 days
By 1980, about 6 general elections had been held in India. Then in January 1980, India prepared for the 7th Lok Sabha elections. At that time Congress had won more than 350 seats and Janata Party had won 32 seats.
Why is there such a long election schedule in 2024?
This time the election process will be completed by the Election Commission in a total of 82 days from the announcement of the election to the counting of votes. Elaborating on the matter, Chief Election Commissioner Rajeev Kumar said the election dates have been decided keeping in mind the regions and public holidays, festivals and examinations.