The 2024 Lok Sabha elections, scheduled to be held in seven phases, will span over 44 days, making it the second-longest voting duration in India's electoral history, following the inaugural parliamentary elections.
The Election Commission of India announced that the elections will take place in seven phases from April 19 to June 1, with the results expected to be declared on June 4.
In comparison, the first parliamentary elections, held between 1951-52, extended over four months, marking the lengthiest voting period in Indian history. Conversely, the 1980 polls lasted merely four days, making them the shortest electoral event.
Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar explained that the scheduling of dates considered various factors such as geography, public holidays, festivals, and exams. Responding to concerns about the extended duration possibly favoring certain parties, Kumar emphasized the logistical challenges posed by India's diverse terrain, climatic conditions, and security concerns.
He clarified that the election schedule aimed at facilitating efficient security forces' movements and accommodating festivals and exams. Kumar reiterated the commission's impartiality, asserting that decisions were not influenced by political considerations.
However, the decision to conduct elections in seven phases, particularly in states like West Bengal, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh, drew criticism from several opposition parties.
Kumar defended the decision, stating that larger states with more constituencies required a phased approach. The first general election, conducted in 1951-52, spanned 68 phases and encompassed 489 Lok Sabha seats across 401 constituencies in 25 states.
While single-seat constituencies elected one member each, some constituencies elected two or three representatives. Multi-seat constituencies were later abolished in the 1960s.
Himachal Pradesh voted in 1951 due to inclement weather conditions, while other states cast their votes in February-March 1952. Notably, Jammu and Kashmir did not participate in Lok Sabha elections until 1967.
