Will be ready to hold simultaneous Lok Sabha, Assembly elections by September 2018: Election Commission

The Election Commission of India on Wednesday announced that it would be "logistically equipped" by September 2018 to hold simultaneous elections to Lok Sabha and Assemblies. The EC launched a web-based application, Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) network, aimed at efficient conduct of elections.

The poll panel had, days ago, directed that VPAT or paper trail machines will be used at polling stations in all future elections.

"The Election Commission was asked by the Centre as what it would require for becoming capable of holding the parliamentary and assembly polls together.

"In response, the EC had asked for funds to purchase new EVMs and VVPAT machines. The commission would be logistically equipped by September, 2018, to hold parliamentary and assembly polls together," Election Commissioner O P Rawat told a press conference.