First time: Five interesting facts that make LOK SABHA POLLS 2014 unique

Election expenditure Now, candidates in a parliamentary constituency in bigger states can spend up to Rs. 70 lakh on their campaign, up from Rs. 40 lakh in 2011. In the 2009 elections, it was Rs. 25 lakh. “Besides expenditure observers, sufficient number of flying squads will be employed to check use of money power,” said chief election commissioner during a press conference on Wednesday.

New Delhi: Lok Sabha polls 2014 for 16th Lok Sabha will be conducted in 9 phases. The Election Commission on Wednesday announced the schedule for the polls. For the first time polling will be held in nine phases, starting April 07 and the counting of votes will be held on May 16. The term of the current Lok Sabha expires on June 1 and the new House has to be constituted by May 31. Apart from the immense suspense over who will form the government, there are many interesting 'firsts' that make this general election unique. Since the last general election held in 2009, more than 10 crore new voters have enrolled with the elections commission. In total, elections would see more than 81.4 crore voters exercise their ballot.

Introduction of "None of the Above" (NOTA) option in voting for the general elections has been introduced this time.

Paper trail system An important feature of the polls would be the introduction of paper trail system for electronic voting in some constituencies on a trial basis. Under paper trail system EVMs will have a paper trail and issue a receipt to each voter. This will help in making the elections more free and fair and help in sorting out disputes.