The anticipation surrounding the Lok Sabha Election of 2024 has reached its peak, as the nation awaits the unveiling of its electoral schedule. The spotlight falls on the upcoming voting sessions in various states, with Arunachal Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Sikkim poised to cast their votes in April or May. Following suit, Maharashtra, Haryana, and Jharkhand are slated for their turn later in the year, adding to the electoral fervour gripping the nation.
In adherence to a directive from the apex court, the focus extends beyond these states, encompassing the region of Jammu and Kashmir, alongside Ladakh, where Assembly polls are mandated to be conducted by September 30 as a crucial step towards the reinstatement of statehood.
Amidst this electoral buzz, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has orchestrated a strategic move, announcing the impending schedule for the Lok Sabha Election and concurrently unveiling dates for Assembly polls in select states. This manoeuvre is emblematic of a departure from tradition, marked by a 24-hour prelude to a press conference where key details such as voting dates, phases, and security arrangements will be divulged. Such meticulous planning is particularly vital for states grappling with the specter of post-poll violence or insurgent threats, necessitating a comprehensive security framework.
Prior to this momentous announcement, the political landscape resonates with fervent appeals and strategic posturing. Notably, the Trinamool Congress in West Bengal has vociferously advocated for a single-phase election and urged for the deployment of central security forces in a manner that preserves the sanctity of the electoral process without intimidating voters.
This unfolding narrative is intertwined with recent developments within the Election Commission itself. The induction of two new Election Commissioners, Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, following the retirement and resignation of their predecessors, has not been without controversy. Legal challenges have emerged, spearheaded by the Association for Democratic Reforms, contesting the procedural nuances of their appointments. Amidst the legal labyrinth, the Supreme Court has offered a glimpse into its deliberative process, refusing to halt the appointments while scheduling further hearings to scrutinize the matter.
Meanwhile, the mechanisms governing the appointment of Election Commissioners have undergone a paradigm shift. A Supreme Court ruling from March 2023, advocating for the inclusion of the Chief Justice in the selection panel, has prompted legislative amendments. These amendments, crystallized in a legislative enactment passed in December, have ushered in a new era, effectively substituting the Chief Justice with a union minister in the selection process, thereby redefining the contours of appointing electoral stewards.
Against this backdrop of legal wrangling, strategic maneuvering, and electoral anticipation, the stage is set for the Lok Sabha Election of 2024, poised to be a watershed moment in the annals of Indian democracy.
