EC announces 5-phase election in Jammu and Kashmir, counting on December 23

New Delhi: The Election Commission on Saturday announced dates for elections to Jammu and Kashmir and Jharkhand assemblies. Here are the updates:

Counting will be held in both states as well as for Delhi bypolls on Dec 23.
Both Jharkhand and J&K will go to polls in five phases – Nov 25 (Phase 1); Dec 2 (Phase 2); Dec 9 (Phase 3); Dec 14 (Phase 4); Dec 20 (Phase 5)
Bypolls due in three Delhi Assembly constituencies – Mehrauli, Tughlakabad, Krishna Nagar; to be held on Nov 25 along with Phase 1 polling in both states.
Model code of conduct comes into force immediately – CEC Sampath
Paper voter slip will be provided in both states
NOTA option will be made available in both states
10,015 polling stations in J&K; 24,648 in Jharkhand
EPIC coverage in Jharkhand 99.06%; in J&K 91%.
Total number of electorate in J&K – 72.25 lakhs; in Jharkhand – 207.44 lakhs.
Chief Election Commissioner VS Sampath is currently addressing a press conference to announce the schedule for Jammu and Kashmir and Jharkhand Assembly Elections.