The Model Code of Conduct has come into force in five States going for Assembly polls. Also for the first time, voters in all the five states of Delhi, Rajasthan, Mizoram, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh will have the choice of 'None of the above option' to reject the candidates contesting the election in a constituency.

Announcing the poll schedule in New Delhi, the Chief Election Commissioner, V. S. Sampath said except Chhattisgarh where polls will be held in two phases, all other four states will have single-phase polls. The elections will be held in Chhattisgarh on 11th and 19th November. While, in Madhya Pradesh the polls will be on 25th November and in Rajasthan on 1st December. The election in Delhi and Mizoram will be held on 4th December. Counting of votes in all the states will take place on 8th of December.

Mr. Sampath said, Central Awareness Observers would be deployed for the first time, to oversee the efficient and effective management of the electoral process.

The by-election to Surat West Assembly constituency of Gujarat and Yercaud constituency of Tamil Nadu will also be held on 4th December. The counting will take place on 8th December along with counting for five Assembly elections.