Fact Check: Lok Sabha Election Dates Viral On Social Media - April 19 For Polling, May 22 For Counting

Published: Sunday, February 25, 2024, 11:10 [IST]

The internet is abuzz with a viral photo depicting the recently unveiled schedule for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

According to the notification, polling for Lok Sabha seats is set to commence on April 19, with the counting scheduled for May 22.

Photo Credit: X/@ECISVEEP

Fact Check: Lok Sabha Election Dates Viral on Social Media

On Saturday, the Election Commission of India (ECI) announced that a fabricated WhatsApp message regarding the schedule for the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections is circulating online, falsely claiming to originate from the Election Commission.

A viral photo on the internet purports to display the newly released schedule for the Lok Sabha elections of 2024. According to the misleading notification, polling for Lok Sabha seats is purported to start on April 19, with counting scheduled for May 22.

The ECI took to its official account on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to address the circulating misinformation about the Lok Sabha Elections 2024 schedule. Clarifying that no official dates have been announced yet, the ECI stated, "A fake message is circulating on WhatsApp regarding the schedule for #LokSabhaElections2024. #FactCheck: The message is #Fake. No dates have been announced so far by #ECI. Election Schedule is announced by the Commission through a press conference."

It is anticipated that the ECI will unveil the schedule for the Lok Sabha elections 2024 after March 13. The implementation of the model code of conduct (MCC) will follow the ECI's announcement. ECI teams have already visited various states and engaged in discussions with the Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) to assess the election readiness in those regions.

Presently, ECI officials are conducting inspections in Tamil Nadu, where they are evaluating the election-related preparations by the state administration. Notably, in 2019, Lok Sabha polls were announced on March 10 and conducted in seven phases from April 11 to May 19.

Fact Check

Claim

Polling for Lok Sabha seats is scheduled to start on April 19, with counting set for May 22.

Conclusion

The Election Commission of India has clarified that no official announcement has been made yet, urging the public to verify information from credible sources.