By NNN-PTI,
New Delhi : The notification kick starting the formal process for the five-phased Lok Sabha (Lower House) elections beginning on April 16 was issued today.
President Pratibha Patil issued the notification for the first phase covering 124 seats spread over 17 States and Union Territories.
Notifications were also issued by respective Governors for 154 of the 294 assembly seats in Andhra Pradesh and 70 of the 147 assembly seats in Orissa, going to polls along with the Lok Sabha elections in the first phase.
With the issuance of notification, the filing of nominations by candidates would begin in the massive electoral exercise in which over 714 million voters would be eligible to exercise their franchise to elect a new 543-member House which is required to be constituted before June two.
The Lok Sabha polls would be held in five phases on April 16, 23, 30 and May seven and 13. Counting of votes would take place on May 16.