Raipur
Chhattisgarh is all set for its local body elections, with the model code of conduct coming into effect from today, January 20th. The elections to urban local bodies will be held on February 11th, with the results to be declared on February 15th. This time, all urban local body elections will be conducted using Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).
The State Election Commission has also announced the schedule for the three-tier panchayat elections. Voting for the panchayat elections will be held in three phases on February 17th, 20th, and 23rd, with the results to be declared on February 18th, 21st, and 24th respectively. However, unlike the urban local body elections, the panchayat elections will be conducted using ballot papers.
State Election Commissioner Ajay Singh provided details of the election schedule. He said that instructions have been issued to form separate teams in each district to ensure that the model code of conduct is not violated. The model code will remain in force from today, January 20th, till February 24th.
Key Highlights:
• Increased Voter Turnout: The voter turnout in Chhattisgarh has increased significantly since the first urban local body elections in 2004. The number of urban voters has increased by 17 lakh in the last 21 years.
• Women Voters: The number of women voters has also increased significantly. In the upcoming elections, there are 46,000 more women voters than male voters.
• Shift Between Direct and Indirect Elections: The state has seen a shift between direct and indirect elections for mayors in the past. While direct elections were held in 2019, the Bhupesh Baghel government had changed it to indirect elections. However, the current government has reverted to direct elections.
• Model Code of Conduct: Various restrictions have been imposed during the model code period, including a ban on government advertisements, transfers, and new government projects.
