The countdown for the 2014 Lok Sabha elections has begun. The polls will be held between April 7 and May 12 in nine phases, said the Elections Commission on Wednesday. The counting of votes will be held on May 16. This is the first time that voting will take place in nine phases in the country.

The first phase of polling will take place on April 7, covering 2 states and 6 constituencies, second phase on April 9, covering 5 states and 7 constituencies, third phase on April 10, covering 14 states and 92 constituencies, fourth phase on April 12, covering 3 states and 5 constituencies, fifth on April 17, covering 13 states and UTs and 122 constituencies, sixth phase on April 24, covering 12 states and 117 constituencies, seventh phase on April 30, covering 9 states and 89 constituencies, eighth phase on May 7, covering 7 states and 64 constituencies and ninth phase on May 12, covering 3 states and 41 constituencies.

With the announcement of poll dates, the Model Code of Conduct for governments and political parties comes into force with immediate effect. Therefore, once elections are announced, the Cabinet will no longer be able to take key decisions.