Port Blair, Mar. 17: Alongwith the rest of the country, the Election machinery in Andaman & Nicobar Islands has sprang into action with the Chief Election Commissioner of India holding Press Conference today and announcing General Elections to 18th Lok Sabha. The Andaman & Nicobar Islands Parliamentary Constituency (ANIPC) will be going to polls in the First Phase on April 19 (Friday).

The Chief Electoral Officer, A&N Islands, Shri B S Jaglan, IAS informed that with the announcement of election schedule, the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) has come into force with immediate effect. MCC will be applicable to all candidates, political parties and to the Union and State Governments and UT Administration, Commissions, Corporations, Committees etc. Any violations of these guidelines shall be strictly dealt with.

In view of the constitutional and legal provisions, the Election Commission of India has made comprehensive preparations for the conduct of elections to the 18th Lok Sabha in a free, fair, participative, accessible, inclusive, transparent and peaceful manner.

Further, CEO informed that the Election Machinery is fully ready to conduct smooth election in this UT.

The CEO appealed to all stakeholders, political parties, and prospective candidates to uphold the democratic traditions of the nation by maintaining high standards of political discourse and fair play during the course of their election campaigns. He also requested all voters of Andaman & Nicobar Islands Parliamentary Constituency to exercise their right to vote in an informed and ethical manner.