New Delhi: The Election Commission (EC) today (Feb 25, 2004) broadly indicated that the first phase of Lok Sabha polls could start after April 17.

"We have complete list of examination schedule in the States. The examinations are ending around April 16/17 in some States", EC spokesman A N Jha told reporters when asked whether the Commission has received the examination schedule from the States.

He said that school buildings, which are used for elections, were one of the important factors in deciding the poll schedule.

The Election Commission had last week hinted that the elections would be held in four phases.