December 1st and Dec 5th & Counting of votes on Dec 8th 2022 by ECI
Editor Banibrata Datta
Gujarat Assembly Election 2022: Gujarat will go to polls on December 1 and 5 in two phases and counting will be done on December 8, announced the Election Commission of India (ECI). The term of the 182-member Gujarat assembly ends on February 18 next year. Citing the convention followed in 2017, the poll panel had not announced the Gujarat election schedule when it came out with Himachal Pradesh poll dates last month. While elections in Himachal Pradesh will be held in a single phase on November 12 (Saturday), the counting of votes will take place on December 8. The election commission said that for enhanced voting experience, 1274 polling stations will be completely managed by women and security staff. There will be 182 polling stations, where one will be welcomed by PWD. For the 1st time, 33 polling stations will be set up and managed by the youngest available polling staff.
In the first phase, the state would poll for for 89 seats and in second phase, it would conduct election on 93 seats.
Chief Election Commissioner Rajeev Kumar, Delhi said that 3,24,422 new voters will vote for the first time this time in the Gujarat Assembly elections. “I am happy to inform you that 3,24,422 new voters will vote for the first time this time in the Gujarat Assembly elections. The total number of polling stations is 51,782. At least 50% of the polling stations set up in the state will have webcasting arrangements,” Kumar said.
Special emphasis on third gender voters
The Election Commission says it will focus on the participation of third gender voters in Gujarat Assembly election 2022. Special camps will be organised in every district to help in the enrolment of such voters. Number of third gender voters has doubled in 2022 in comparison to 2017.
On being impartial
Responding to Congress’ allegation of being partial, EC chief said, “Actions speaks louder than words.”
