India, March 16 -- Nearly a billion people will vote in 1.05 million polling booths to select India's next government, the Election Commission of India (ECI) announced on Saturday, kick-starting the world's largest democratic exercise that will be staggered across seven phases stretching over six weeks between April 19 and June 1.

The results will be announced on June 4.

Assembly elections in Andhra Pradesh, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, and Odisha will also take place simultaneously, as will assembly bypolls for 26 vacant seats, ECI said.

"After assessment in all states, we are confident of ensuring memorable, independent and impartial polls," chief election commissioner Rajiv Kumar said at a press briefing. He said the body was determin...