Lok Sabha elections, being conducted in seven phases, continue with Phase 5 on Monday, May 20. This phase will see 695 candidates contesting in eight states and Union Territories. The Election Commission (EC) announced the poll schedule on March 16, with voting spanning from April 19 to June 1, and vote counting set for June 4. The elections aim to elect 543 members to the 18th Lok Sabha.
The Lok Sabha, India's lower house of Parliament, comprises 545 seats, with elections held for 543 of them. The final two members are nominated.
Schools, colleges shut on polling day
As the nation prepares for Phase 5, the Election Commission has emphasized the importance of safety and smooth electoral operations. Schools and colleges will be closed on polling day to ensure the security of students, teachers, and staff. Many educational institutions serve as polling stations, and their closure facilitates the smooth conduct of elections without disrupting regular academic activities.
Here's a list of all the states and UTs going to the polls tomorrow: