HP polls on Nov 12, counting on Dec 8; Guj notice awaited

The Election Commission on Friday announced assembly elections in Himachal Pradesh on November 12, but the poll panel, following the precedent set by its predecessors in 2017 and with a view to curtail the period of the Model Code of Conduct so that it does not hinder policy decisions and governance, put in abeyance announcement of polls in Gujarat, reports Bharti Jain.

Though the Himachal assembly's term expires on January 8, 2023, EC, keeping in mind the onset of snow in higher reaches of the state around mid-November and the logistical problems it could entail, decided to bring forward the polling to November 12, eyen as counting of votes will be taken up on December 8.

The four-week gap in Himachal polling and counting is a clear indication that Gujarat assembly polls will be announced in a week or two. 

Longer wait for elections in J&K

Assembly polls in J&K may have to wait as the special summary revision of electoral rolls in the state is still on and the final publication of updated rolls is scheduled on November 25, 2022. The earliest likely window for elections is summer of 2023 as the prospects of polling in winter are dim. Flap Opp

Gujarat assembly elections voting likely by Dec 4

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New Delhi: Assembly polls in Gujarat will be announced soon, with voting likely to be held in one or two phases and completed by December 4, followed by counting alongside Himachal, Election Commission sources indicated.