![Tura [Meghalaya], Apr 19 : Voters hold umbrellas as they wait in a queue to cast their votes during the first phase of voting for the Lok Sabha election 2024, at a polling station in Tura on Friday.](https://ritamdigital.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/20240419786l.jpg)
The initial phase of polling in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections unfolded with notable participation, spanning from the northern reaches of Jammu and Kashmir to the southern tip of Tamil Nadu, and from the western expanse of Maharashtra to the northeastern state of Manipur. With 102 constituencies dispersed across 21 states and Union Territories, this first phase represents the largest segment of the seven-phase electoral process.
As per the latest data released by the Election Commission of India (ECI), the voter turnout stood at approximately 64% till 11 pm, a statistic encompassing 102 Lok Sabha constituencies. Simultaneously, in Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim, where state legislature polls were held alongside the national elections, a similar 62.37% turnout was recorded in the 92 Assembly constituencies by the same time.
While polling was slated to conclude at 6 pm, authorities extended the deadline to accommodate those still in queues. Comparing this year’s tentative turnout to the previous election cycle, a slight decrease is discernible. However, officials anticipate final figures to ascend.
Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar commended the smooth execution of the first phase, attributing its success to the concerted efforts of voters and polling personnel over the preceding two years. Prime Minister Narendra Modi echoed these sentiments, expressing gratitude for the robust response and affirming widespread support for the NDA alliance.
Notable turnout variations were observed across states, with Tamil Nadu marking 65.19% participation, down from 72.44% in 2019, while Uttarakhand recorded a turnout of 54.06%, contrasting with 61.88% previously. Tripura boasted the highest turnout at 80.17%, followed closely by West Bengal at 77.57%, whereas Bihar registered the lowest at 48.50%.
Despite sporadic reports of violence in Manipur, officials noted a relatively smooth process, albeit hinting at potential repolling in affected areas. In Nagaland, concerns over boycott calls impacted turnout figures in select regions.
The EC lauded the high turnout amidst challenging conditions, including a prevailing heat wave, characterizing the polling as peaceful and reflecting a commendable display of civic engagement. Notably, this election cycle saw a departure from the previous practice of releasing detailed EVM and VVPAT usage statistics, with replacement rates reportedly below 1%, according to an EC official.
Further milestones were reached, with polling conducted for the first time in 56 villages of Bastar and the Shompen tribe of Great Nicobar participating for the inaugural time.
With 16.63 crore eligible electors exercising their franchise across 1.87 lakh polling stations, Phase I of polling marked the commencement of a critical democratic process. The results of both national and state elections will be unveiled on June 4 and June 2, respectively, setting the stage for subsequent phases in the electoral calendar.
Comments