• By Vivek Raj
  • Sun, 25 Feb 2024 01:27 PM (IST)
  • Source:JND
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The Election Commission has issued a clarification regarding a fake message circulating on WhatsApp, falsely claiming the schedule for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The message purportedly outlined the election timeline, including notification, nomination filing deadline, polling date, and result day.

According to the fraudulent message, the polls were slated to be notified on March 12, with nominations due by March 28. The polling date mentioned was April 19, and the result declaration was slated for May 22.

The message, with the Election Commission's letterhead, caused confusion among recipients, particularly due to the proposal of conducting the general election in a single phase.

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In response, the Election Commission debunked the fake message, saying that no official dates have been announced for the Lok Sabha elections thus far. The Commission clarified that election schedules are unveiled through press conferences, not circulated via text or WhatsApp messages. It urged individuals to exercise caution and verify information before amplifying messages, using the hashtag "#VerifyBeforeYouAmplify."

"A fake message is being shared on Whats app regarding schedule for #LokSabhaElections2024. #FactCheck: The message is #Fake. No dates have been announced so far by #ECI," it said in a post on X.

This clarification follows a similar incident a month prior when an internal note from the office of Delhi's Chief Electoral Officer created confusion. The note mentioned April 16 as a tentative "poll date" for reference purposes, aimed at aiding officials in planning election-related activities.

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The Chief Electoral Officer's office clarified that the April 16 date was not a confirmed polling day but rather a reference point for organisational purposes. The office said that the mention of the date was intended to assist officials in coordinating activities as per the Election Planner of the Election Commission of India (ECI).