A neck-and-neck race is expected in the >Kerala Assembly elections slated for May 16 as the outcome is crucial for the ruling Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF), CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) and also the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
For the ruling UDF, it is a battle for retaining power in the State. A success would also present an opportunity for the Congress to stage a comeback at the national level, after its humiliating loss in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections.
On the other hand, a drubbing in the polls for the LDF would spell disaster for it especially at a time when Left is trying hard for a comeback in West Bengal, once a stronghold of the Communists.
The two fronts, ruling the state alternately, will have to factor in the challenge posed by BJP which had put up a better showing in recent civic elections in the state.
Important dates:
Date of Issue of Gazette Notification | April 22 |
Last Date for Nominations | April 29 |
Date for Scrutiny of Nominations | April 30 |
Last date for withdrawal of candidatures | May 2 |
Date of poll | May 16 |
Counting | May 19 |
Facilities for voters
In a bid to encourage more voters to exercise their franchise, the Election Commission has taken several measures.
* For the first time, EVMs will feature a symbol for NOTA. The symbol was created in association with the National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad.
* The photographs of candidates will be printed along with their names and election symbol in the EVMs.
* The Commission will distribute voter slips bearing the photo of the elector with the details, including that of polling booth, his/her serial number in the electoral roll.
* Every polling station will be equipped with basic minimu facilities such as drinking water, toilets, shed and ramp.
* Model polling stations will be set up in select constituencies.
* Separate polling booths for women will be set-up, wherever possible.
* Differently-abled votes will be given priority in exercising their franchise.
* Auxillary polling stations will be set up inside Blind Schools and leprosy sanatorium.
* Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) will be used in select constituencies.
* All critical events will be videographed.
(With inputs from Election Commission of India)
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