Ahmedabad - Campaigning for the by-elections of 25 Lok Sabha seats and 5 assembly seats in Gujarat, except Surat, concluded at 6 pm on Sunday evening. Voting is scheduled to take place on 7th May, and the Election Commission has finalized all preparations for the elections. Special arrangements have been made considering the ongoing heat wave in the state.

Dr. Kuldeep Arya, the state's Additional Electoral Officer, stated that as per Section 126 of the Representation of the People Act 1951, campaigning cannot be conducted in favor of any party or candidate for 48 hours from 6 pm on May 5 until the completion of voting. Political leaders who had traveled to other Lok Sabha seats for election campaigning have been instructed to return. The use of loudspeakers has also been banned for the next 48 hours.

Arya emphasized that any predictions regarding voting outcomes are prohibited during this period. He assured that the Commission has made all necessary arrangements to ensure a smooth and systematic voting process. The installation of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) devices has been completed, along with the distribution of Voter Information Slips.

The Election Commission has completed preparations to conduct peaceful and fair voting. There are a total of 266 candidates for the 25 Lok Sabha seats in the state and 24 candidates for the assembly by-elections. The Ahmedabad East Lok Sabha seat has the highest number of candidates with 18, while Bardoli seat has the least with 3. Similarly, the Vijapur assembly seat has 8 candidates, while Waghodia has only 2 candidates.

Arya mentioned that voter awareness booths have been set up at all polling stations, and 175 model polling stations have been prepared. Shades have been installed at polling stations due to the heatwave. Medical teams will be deployed for medical arrangements and immediate treatment facilities. Complaints regarding not being granted leave from work on the day of voting can be lodged at 1950. The District Election Officer has made special arrangements at sensitive and highly sensitive booths.