The recently released general election notification has set the stage for what is poised to be one of the longest electoral processes in the country's history. Spanning across 7 phases and lasting for a total of 44 days, from the release of the schedule on march 16 to the counting date on june 4, these elections will encompass a significant period of time.
This marks the second longest general election in the country's history, with the first being the inaugural general elections held after independence in 1951-52, which lasted a staggering four months. In contrast, the shortest general election in the country's history took place in january 1980, completing in just four days. Interestingly, between 1962 and 1989, all general elections were held within a span of four to ten days.
However, since then, the duration of election processes has gradually increased. For instance, the 2004 elections concluded in 21 days over four phases, while the 2019 elections spanned 39 days across seven phases. The decision to extend the election period has sparked speculation, with some questioning whether it is intended to favour the ruling party.
However, Chief election Commissioner rajeev Kumar has refuted these claims, stating that the schedule was determined based on various factors such as geographical conditions, holidays, festivals, and examinations. He highlighted the challenges posed by diverse terrain, including rivers, hills, and forests, in many states, which necessitated careful planning to ensure smooth conduct of elections.
As the country gears up for this extended electoral process, the focus remains on upholding the principles of democracy and ensuring a fair and transparent election, regardless of the duration.
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