On Saturday, March 16, the Election Commission of India unveiled the timetable for the Lok Sabha elections 2024, cautioning against the use of coercion and financial influence during the polls.
Speaking at a press briefing in the capital city, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar emphasized stringent action against any form of violence throughout the electoral process.
The Election Commission highlighted the significant challenge it faces in ensuring free and fair elections. The commission has embraced a comprehensive approach, focusing on the four main challenges calling it a 4M Formula:
- Muscle
- Money
- Misinformation
- MCC violations
The daunting challenges in conducting free and fair elections are four-fold, the 4Ms: muscle, money, misinformation, and MCC violations – CEC Rajiv Kumar
ECI is committed and has put in place measures to deal with these disruptive challenges. #Elections2024 pic.twitter.com/iABXMLqB81— Election Commission of India (@ECISVEEP) March 16, 2024
“We will be firm in addressing any incidents of violence during the Lok Sabha elections,” Kumar stated, highlighting the four main challenges in ensuring fair elections: muscle, money, misinformation, and MCC breaches. The Election Commission is committed to tackling these challenges effectively.
In the upcoming Lok Sabha elections 2024, a staggering 96.8 crore voters are eligible to cast their ballots, including 1.82 crore first-time voters and 19.47 crore individuals aged between 20 and 29 years.
Kumar also cautioned against the dissemination of false news and misinformation on social media platforms during the electoral process, stressing the importance of maintaining public order.
“In the last 11 state assembly elections across various states, approximately ₹3,400 crore in cash was seized, underscoring the significant role of financial influence in elections,” Kumar emphasized.
Furthermore, Kumar advised political parties to refrain from personal attacks and instead focus on issue-based campaigning. The Election Commission has appointed 2,100 election observers to ensure the integrity of the electoral process.
Kumar highlighted the peaceful nature of the last 11 state assembly elections, with minimal instances of violence and re-polling, expressing confidence in conducting independent and impartial polls across all states.
