Lok Sabha polls: EC to meet recognised political parties on 4 February

In the run up to Lok Sabha polls, the Election Commission has convened a meeting of all recognised political parties on 4 February for the conduct of free and fair elections. The all-party meeting, which is part of EC’s poll preparations, comes a day ahead of the Parliament session. There are a total of six recognised national parties and 47 state parties. During the meeting, top EC officials will hold discussions and consultations with all recognised national and state political parties and the Commission will list its ‘Do’s and Don’ts’ to them. The EC will also seek suggestions and cooperation from them for the smooth conduct of polls. The Lok Sabha polls will be held between mid-April and early May in five or six phases and will involve about 800 million voters, top EC sources said.