Lok Sabha Election: Amidst a flurry of misinformation circulating on various platforms, the Election Commission has stepped in to clarify the actual schedule for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Dismissing a fake message that was being widely circulated, claiming to detail the election schedule, the Election Commission emphasized that such crucial information is disseminated through official press conferences and not via text or WhatsApp messages.
The misleading message purportedly outlined the entire schedule for the general Lok Sabha elections, stating that polling would commence on April 19, with results expected on May 22. However, the Election Commission has categorically stated that no official dates have been announced yet, urging citizens to remain vigilant against the spread of false information.
The fake message, adorned with the letterhead of the Election Commission, found its way into numerous WhatsApp groups, sparking questions and concerns regarding the feasibility of conducting the entire election process in a single phase.
In response to the widespread confusion, the Election Commission swiftly moved to debunk the false claims. Through its official channels, it clarified, “A fake message is being shared on WhatsApp regarding the schedule for #LokSabhaElections2024. #FactCheck: The message is #Fake. No dates have been announced so far by #ECI.”
Furthermore, the Election Commission reiterated that the election schedule is formally announced through a press conference, underscoring the importance of verifying information before amplifying it. Employing the hashtag “#VerifyBeforeYouAmplify,” the Election Commission emphasized the critical need for fact-checking in today’s digital age.
This recent clarification comes on the heels of previous instances of misinformation surrounding election-related matters. Just a month ago, an internal note from the office of Delhi’s Chief Electoral Officer caused confusion by mentioning April 16 as a tentative “poll date” for the Lok Sabha elections. However, the Chief Electoral Officer’s office swiftly clarified that the date was provided solely for reference purposes, aiding officials in their planning activities as per the Election Planner of the Election Commission.
As the nation gears up for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, it is imperative for citizens to rely on verified information from credible sources and refrain from spreading unverified messages that may lead to confusion and misinformation.