• Source:JND
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The Election Commission (EC) on Wednesday laid out an order imposing a ban on exit polls till the voting exercise culminates on June 1. The fresh notice has been issued after the completion of three phases of the Lok Sabha election. The top poll body has prohibited the conducting of any kind of exit polls and the dissemination of its results through print or electronic media during this period. The notification in this regard states that there will be a ban on exit polls under Section 126 (1) (b) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.

The Lok Sabha polls are being held in 543 constituencies across India in a staggered manner. The entire exercise will take place in seven phases. As many as 283 seats have already witnessed polling in three phases.

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Several high-profile faces and heavyweights were in the fray in the third phase. Among the key candidates were Union Home Minister Amit Shah who is contesting from Gandhinagar (Gujarat), Shivraj Singh Chouhan from Vidisha (MP), Jyotiraditya Scindia from Guna (MP) and Dimple Yadav from Mainpuri (UP).

At least 64.45 per cent of the electorate in 93 constituencies cast their votes on May 7 in the third phase. The overall voting percentage in the first and second phases was 66.14 per cent and 66.71 per cent respectively. The fourth phase voting will take place on May 13.

Phase-Wise Schedule:

First phase: April 19

Second phase: April 26

Third phase: May 7

Fourth phase: May 13

Fifth phase: May 20

Sixth phase: May 25

Seventh phase: June 1

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Besides Lok Sabha polls, assemblies of Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Odisha and Sikkim are also going for elections. The overall results are scheduled to be declared on June 4.