New Delhi, Oct 12 (Deccan Chronicle): The Election Commission on Thursday announced elections in Himachal Pradesh on November 9 with results on December 18, indicating that Gujarat too would vote before this result day.

"Gujarat assembly elections to be held prior to 18 December. This will enable simultaneous counting in Himachal Pradesh and Gujarat," the Election Commission said.

Addressing the media, Chief Election Commissioner said, "The date of issue of notification for Himachal Pradesh is October 16. Last date of filing of nomination is October 23 and scrutiny of nomination is October 24."

The Election Commissioner said, "Model code of conduct for Himachal Pradesh assembly election comes into effect from now itself."

The polling booths for the assembly election this time is 7521 as compared to 7252 earlier.

The CEC said that Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) with the Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) system will be used for the Himachal Pradesh election.

Central forces will be deployed in Himachal Pradesh along with the state police for the smooth conduct of elections, A K Joti said.

Himachal Pradesh has 68 assembly seats.

Around 49.05 lakh voters will exercise their franchise.

The Congress had won 36 seats and the BJP 27 in the last assembly elections. Independent candidates had won five seats.