New Delhi: The Election Commission (EC) on Thursday began its press conference on Wednesday and declared dates for Gujarat Assembly elections. The elections will take place in two phases - first date of polling will take place on December 1 and the next one on December 5. Counting of votes will coincide with that of Himachal Pradesh i.e. December 8. With the announcement of dates, the model code of conduct comes into place. The voting for the Gujarat Assembly elections will be held in two phases on December 1 and 5 while the counting of votes will be done on December 8, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar said on Thursday. "First phase of Assembly elections in Gujarat to be held on 1st December & second phase on 5th December; counting of votes to be done on 8th December," he said. The CEC informed that as many as 3,24,422 people would be first-time voters in the state. "I am happy to inform that 3,24,422 new voters will vote for the first time this time in the Gujarat Assembly elections. The total number of polling stations is 51,782. At least 50 per cent of the polling stations set up in the state will have webcasting arrangements," Kumar said. "For a better voting experience, 1274 polling stations will be managed entirely by women and security staff. Public Works Department will welcome voters at 182 polling stations. For the first time, 33 polling stations will be set up and managed by the youngest polling staff," he added. The EC press conference started with the CEC Rajiv Kumar along with others condoling the Morbi river tragedy. Meanwhile, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is likely to declare its chief ministerial face for Gujarat on Friday. LIVE UPDATES: First phase of Assembly elections in Gujarat to be held on 1st December & second phase on 5th December; counting of votes to be done on 8th December: Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar pic.twitter.com/MMgTpxOY4W — ANI (@ANI) November 3, 2022 For enhanced voting experience, 1274 polling stations will be completely managed by women & security staff. There will be 182 polling stations where one will be welcomed by PWD. For the 1st time, 33 polling stations will be set up &managed by youngest available polling staff: CEC pic.twitter.com/UZ0F2qfwOE — ANI (@ANI) November 3, 2022 A special observer in Himachal Pradesh & Gujarat for accessibility & inclusion for women, elderly, PWD will be deployed in the forthcoming #Assembly elections: Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar pic.twitter.com/JF6BUwmvZZ — ANI (@ANI) November 3, 2022
