Separate poll dates for UP: EC

NEW DELHI: Separating the Uttar Pradesh state Assembly elections from other states, the Election Commission on Friday announced the poll schedule for Manipur, Uttranchal and Punjab. Polling in the three states would be held in February 2007. The election schedule for Uttar Pradesh would be declared later.

Chief Election Commissioner N Gopalaswamy said the term of Legislative Assemblies of Manipur, Uttaranchal and Punjab are due to expire on March 11, 17 and 20 respectively. The UP Assembly’s term would be over on May 17, he said.

Although the smallest state with the least number of Assembly constituencies among the three poll-bound states, Manipur would have the most long-drawn elections. It will be spread over three phases, on February 8, 15 and 23. The state has 60 Assembly constituencies.

Punjab, with 117 Assembly constituencies, will go into the polls on February 13 and Uttaranchal on February 21. Counting of votes in all the places will begin on February 27, Gopalaswamy said.

The model code of conduct came into force with immediate effect for the three
state governments and for the Centre.