Karnataka elections 2023: Over 9.17 lakh first-time voters to exercise their franchise in upcoming polls

The state will witness a single phase of voting with polling to be held on May 10, whereas, results will be declared three days later on May 13. The date for nominations is April 13 and the last date for filing nominations is April 20. The date for scrutiny of nominations is April 21 whereas the last date for withdrawal of candidatures is April 24, according to the Election Commission. 

The Election Commission said that more than 1,300 polling stations will be handled exclusively by women. Check posts, special highways and godowns identified and mapped so that there is no increase and trends of goods coming there have a check on freebies. 

The CEC said that the Commission is strengthening teams to curb the misuse of money power. "2400 Static Surveillance teams to keep strict vigil. Monitoring on 171 Interstate check posts in 19 districts (sharing borders with other states). Multiple Agencies working in synergy and coordination," Rajiv Kumar added. 

Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar stressed on the awareness and cooperation of citizens to ensure free, fair & inducement-free elections. He also stated that citizens can report any kind of electoral malpractices to ECI through its 'cVigil App'. For every complaint, there will be a response in 100 minutes, he added. 

The Chief Election Commissioner said that as many as 58,282 polling stations will be set up in 224 Assembly constituencies for the upcoming elections in the state. "The average voter per PS  is  883. 50% of polling stations have a webcasting facility. For an enhanced voter experience, 1320 polling stations will be managed by women officials," the CEC added.

CEC Rajiv Kumar said that the Commission is conscious of providing all basic facilities to voters for an enriching and pleasant voting experience. He also stated that Assured Minimum Facilities (AMF) will be available in all polling stations. The CEC also stressed that the emphasis is on making AMF a permanent infrastructure in polling stations.   

Speaking at the press conference, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar said that more than 9.17 lakh first-time voters will be participating in the upcoming elections in Karnataka. "Also under Advance Application Facility, over 1.25 lakh applications were received from 17 years+ youth, out of which around 41,000 applications received from youth turning 18 years by April 1st, 2023," he added. 

The Election Commission said that all arrangements will be made at the polling station for the convenience of senior citizens & PwD voters. "The term of the Legislative Assembly of Karnataka is due to expire on May 25. Elections are to be scheduled for 224 ACs in the state. As per the electoral roll published, over 5.21 crore electors are registered, out of which ~ 5.55 lakh are PwD electors," it added. 

As per the electoral roll published, over 5.21 crore electors are registered, out of which 5.55 lakh are PwD electors, said the Election Commission. 

The Elections Commission of India is holding a press conference to announce the dates for the upcoming Assembly polls in the state. 

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge lambasted the Bharatiya Janata Party-led government in Karnataka, alleging no action was taken against corrupt MLAs in the state. "There is a govt of 40% there (in Karnataka) & they (BJP) are well versed with this. No action is taken against those MLAs from whom Rs 8 cr-Rs 10 cr are recovered. Here if any opp. member is found with money, they (BJP) make it a big issue. They start calling ED," he added. 

Karnataka Congress chief DK Shivakumar said that Congress is absolutely ready for the elections. "We want this govt to be dismissed. This election will be development-oriented and for a corruption-free state and the country. Corruption is at its peak and PM Modi encouraged it, he did not take any action against his party leaders," he added. 

Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said that his party is completely ready for the upcoming elections. "Preparations are already underway. We are just waiting for the ECI to announce the dates. We are sure to come back to power with a huge majority," he added. 

The Election Commission introduced the Vote-From-Home option, a facility under which people above the age of 80 years along with those surrening from any disabilities will be able to vote in the assembly elections in Karnataka. For the first time the ECI is going to provide the facility to those above 80 years of age.