How a Lok Sabha election works, from nomination to counting day

India directly elects the 543 members of the Lok Sabha, one from each constituency. The candidate with the most votes wins the seat even without a majority of the votes cast — a system known as first-past-the-post. A party or alliance needs 272 seats to form a government on its own strength.

The schedule and the code of conduct

The Election Commission of India announces the schedule, often spread across several phases. From that moment the Model Code of Conduct applies: governments cannot announce new schemes to sway voters, and parties must follow rules on speeches, rallies and spending.

Nominations

Candidates file nomination papers with the returning officer, together with an affidavit declaring their assets, liabilities, education and any criminal cases. The papers are scrutinised, and candidates get a few days to withdraw before the final list is published.

Polling day

Voters can identify themselves with their voter ID card (EPIC) or one of several other approved documents. Votes are cast on electronic voting machines. A VVPAT unit beside the machine prints a slip showing the chosen candidate’s name and symbol, visible for about seven seconds before it drops into a sealed box. Every machine also offers NOTA — “None of the Above” — an option available since 2013.

Counting day

Postal ballots are counted first, followed by the machines, round by round, in the presence of candidates’ agents. VVPAT slips from five randomly selected polling stations in each assembly segment are then matched against the machine count.

Check your own details

You can search the electoral roll, download your e-EPIC and find your polling station through the Election Commission’s voters’ service portal or the Voter Helpline app. Our Elections page tracks every election in the country.