The model code of conduct will take effect in the state from October 17, after the notification for the elections is published.

“To the festive month of October, we are going to add the festival of democracy,” Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar told reporters while announcing the election schedule.

The filing of nomination for candidates will begin on October 17 and go on until October 25.

Dates for elections to the Gujarat Assembly, whose term ends on February 18, 2023, were not announced. “We are following the precedent in keeping the announcement of dates for Gujarat in abeyance for now,” Kumar said. He also said that announcing multiple state polls together could lead to longer waits for the declaration of results for some.

In Himachal Pradesh, there are 1.86 lakh first-time voters, 1.22 lakh aged 80-plus and 1,184 voters who are above 100 years of age, the commission said.

Kumar also said the commission was in consultation with political parties on manifestos. “Any election promise must be explained on how that is feasible,” Kumar said about so-called freebies promised by parties.

The model code of conduct period has also been reduced from 70 days to 57 as, Kumar said, the commission does not want the restrictions to be in force for a very long time.

The commission has also taken into account weather conditions in the hill state while zeroing in on the dates. “There are parts of Himachal, especially the upper reaches which are covered in snow during the peak of winter,” he said.

In order to contain the effect of fake news influencing voters, the commission has also set up social media teams that will be on the look out for such material on the internet, Kumar said.

On the Covid protocol, which has been in force during election processes for the past two years, Kumar said the commission had consulted the health ministry as well as state chief secretaries. “Covid does not seem to be that much of a concern now. However, states have been asked to follow the five-fold strategy for Covid containment. People are advised to follow the advisory of the health ministry,” he said.

Kumar also mentioned the commission’s various mobile apps, including those for registering complaints of code violations and for helping disabled and elderly voters, especially those between 80 and 100 years old, who can have their votes collected from their homes by visiting officials.