In a notable change, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has extended the polling duration for the upcoming assembly elections in Rajasthan. Traditionally, elections in the state have been conducted over a span of nine hours. However, in a recent announcement, the ECI has declared that for the first time, the polling hours will be extended to 11 hours.

This extension means that voters in Rajasthan will now have an increased window of opportunity to cast their ballots. The polling process is scheduled to commence at 7:00 am and will continue until 6:00 pm. This significant alteration in polling hours aims to accommodate a wider range of voters and provide more flexibility for those participating in the democratic process.

In the previous 2018 assembly election in Rajasthan, the polling hours were set from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. However, a recent bypoll in the Sardarshahar assembly constituency of Churu District, which took place on December 5, 2022, extended the polling duration to 11 hours. During the nomination filing, the Returning Officer's room will only permit entry for a maximum of five individuals, which includes the candidate and four others. Additionally, only three vehicles from the candidate's convoy will be allowed within a 100-meter radius of the RO office.

According to the recent notification, November 6 has been designated as the final date for submitting nominations, while November 8 is the deadline for candidates to withdraw their candidature. Nomination scrutiny is scheduled for November 7, and the entire election process is expected to conclude by December 5. The decision by the Election Commission of India to extend the polling hours underscores its commitment to ensuring maximum participation and inclusivity in the electoral process, allowing more citizens to exercise their right to vote in the forthcoming assembly election in Rajasthan. 

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