The nominations of 253 candidates have been found to be valid after the examination of nomination papers in 20 assembly constituencies for the first phase of the Chhattisgarh Assembly Elections 2023. It is noteworthy that 294 candidates had submitted nominations until October 20, the deadline for the first phase.
In this first phase of the assembly election, the following numbers of valid nominations were recorded: 14 in Antagarh constituency, 15 in Bhanupratappur, 10 in Kanker, 10 in Keshkal, 10 in Kondagaon, 9 in Narayanpur, 8 in Bastar, 13 in Jagdalpur, 7 in Chitrakote, 7 in Dantewada, 7 in Bijapur, and 9 in Konta.
Similarly, nominations of 11 candidates in Khairagarh, 13 in Dongargarh, 35 in Rajnandgaon, 15 in Dongargaon, 10 in Khujji, 10 in Mohla-Manpur, 21 in Kawardha, and 16 in Pandariya have been found valid. The final date for withdrawal of nominations for the first phase of assembly constituencies in the 2023 Assembly Elections is October 23. The Election Commission has announced that the first phase of polling for 20 seats in Chhattisgarh is scheduled for November 7, while the remaining 70 seats in Chhattisgarh will go to the polls on November 17.
With the announcement of poll dates, the Model Code of Conduct has come into effect. These elections hold significant importance as they take place months ahead of the scheduled Lok Sabha elections in April-May next year.
Vote counting will occur on December 3 in all the states. In the 2018 assembly polls, the Congress achieved a landslide victory, securing 68 out of the 90 seats, triumphing over the then-ruling BJP, which only won 15 seats. The BJP is aiming to regain control of the state from the Congress, and the results are expected to set the tone for the forthcoming 2024 Lok Sabha polls.