Stock Market Holiday, Lok Sabha Election Phase 5: Will Trading On BSE, NSE Remain Open On May 20?

Trading on BSE and NSE will be closed on Monday, May 20 due to the onset of the fifth polling phase of the Lok Sabha election. Trading will be closed equity, equity derivatives, SLB and currency derivatives segments.

Accordingly, the stock market will be closed for two straight days which are Sunday, May 19 and Monday, May 20. The market however will not have its customary weekend holidays this week, as it will be open for a special live trading session on Saturday, May 18 due to the switch of the primary site to the disaster recovery site.

From May 1-16, 2024, both benchmarks Sensex and Nifty have witnessed selling pressure with the volatility index shooting to all-time high levels. Also, sharp selling by FIIs has added to woes. So far in May, Sensex is down by 947.39 points or 1.3%, while Nifty 50 plunged by 244.35 points or 1.08%.

Further, FPIs have pulled out up to Rs 27,619 crore from Indian equities in May so far. YTD, the outflow is at Rs 25,397 crore.

The 30-scrip benchmark is at 73,663.72, and that of the Nifty 50 is at 22,403.85. While India's VIX index is at 20.

Giving a view on the post-election impact on the stock market, Sunil Damania the Chief Investment Officer at MojoPMS said, "Voter turnout and its impact on the election outcome is making the market nervous. The market is going with the equation that lower turnout means the BJP may get a lower number of seats as compared to the 2019 election. Our study shows that when BJP replaced the Congress in 2014, voter turnout increased by more than 800 bps. Remember, after 1984 first time a single party got majority seats in the parliament, unlike in the past, coalition government was the order of the day."

Damania added, "We sense that the BJP should get a majority in the parliament without going into the merit of argument about whether lower turnout is better for the incumbent government. If the market falls before the general election outcome, one can expect a rally post-result. But if there is no meaningful correction, the market may behave like in 2019, where Indices moved down post-election result. Indian market valuations are rich, and that may keep the upside capped. Post-election, the market will start speculating on the budget announcement. This will also keep marketmen busy. Hence, we sense that in the next couple of months market will likely remain volatile."

On May 20, as part of the Lok Sabha election phases, voting for approximately 695 candidates from 49 constituencies across six states and two Union territories will commence. This will be the fifth leg of polling and will take place in regions such as Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Ladakh, West Bengal, Maharashtra, Bihar and Jammu & Kashmir.

As per the Election Commission of India, a citizen of India can vote only if his or her name appears in the Voter List (also known as the Electoral Roll). Voters can also find information on Polling Booths, Contesting candidates, Election Dates & Timings, Identity cards and EVM.

Where to check voter registration status?

Step 1: Logging on to https://electoralsearch.eci.gov.in

Step 2: Calling the Voter Helpline 1950 (please add your STD code before dialling)

Step 3: SMS space to 1950 (EPIC stands for Electors Photo Identity Card also commonly known as Voter ID card). Example - If your EPIC is 12345678 then sms ECI 12345678 to 1950

Step 4: Download Voter Helpline App (Android) and Voter Helpline App (iOS)

Where do I vote?

1. Voters can go to https://electoralsearch.eci.gov.in or use the Voter Helpline App (Android) and Voter Helpline App (iOS) to find their polling booth

2. Voters can call the Voter Helpline, the number is 1950 (please add your STD code before dialling)

3. For Polling station location SMS space to 1950

How To Vote In Person?

Step 1: The first polling official will check your name on the voter list and check your ID proof

Step 2: The second polling official will ink your finger, give you a slip and take your signature on a register (Form 17A)

Step 3: You will have to deposit the slip at the third polling official show your inked finger and then proceed to the polling booth

Step 4: Record your vote by pressing the ballot button opposite the symbol of the candidate of your choice on the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM); You will hear a beep sound

Step 5: Check the slip that appears in the transparent window of the VVPAT machine. The slip with the Candidate serial No., Name and Symbol shall be visible for 7 seconds before it drops in the sealed VVPAT box

Step 6: You can press NOTA, None of the Above, if you don't like any candidate; it's the last button on the EVM