Polling in the fourth phase of General Elections 2024, which commenced at 7 am today simultaneously across 96 PCs, recorded a total voter turnout of 67.25%. Polling continued after 6pm, as a large number of voters were still in the queue at polling stations.
Polling was held smoothly and peacefully. The Commission, led by CEC Shri Rajiv Kumar along with ECs Gyanesh Kumar and Shri Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, kept a regular close watch on each and every aspect of the poll process in all the phases and issued necessary directions wherever required. Stringent security measures were in place, creating a conducive environment for voters to cast their vote without fear or intimidation. With the conclusion of phase 4, polling for General Elections has crossed the halfway mark with polling completed in 23 States/UTs and 379 PCs. Polling is complete in General Elections for State Legislative Assemblies of Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Andhra Pradesh, and 28 assembly seats of the Odisha State Assembly.
In the Kashmir valley, voting took place for the Srinagar PC today. Amidst ample security, voters were seen queuing up peacefully at various polling stations in Srinagar to cast their votes. Polling time in certain assembly segments of 17 Parliamentary Constituencies of Telangana was increased by the Commission (from 7 am till 6 pm) to increase voters’ participation.
Dr. Amit Sharma, a political analyst, commented, “The increase in polling time in Telangana is a positive step towards enhancing voter participation. The smooth conduct of polls so far indicates effective management by the Election Commission.”
To further enhance transparency, the Voter Turnout App has now been upgraded to enable Android users of the App to take screenshots. This measure is in addition to the transparency measures taken by the Commission, including showing state-wise overall turnout on the Voter Turnout App and releasing phase-wise electors’ data.
As per the laid-down procedure, scrutiny of election papers takes place one day after the polling day in the presence of Candidates or their authorised polling agents. The decision to conduct repoll, if any, is also taken thereafter. Some polling parties return after polling day depending on the geographical/logistical conditions. The Commission will also, after the scrutiny and depending on the number/schedule of repoll, publish the updated voter turnout along with gender-wise breakup by 17.5.2024.
Political analyst Dr. Rina Desai said, “The high voter turnout in the fourth phase is a testament to the electorate’s enthusiasm and the measures taken to ensure a safe and accessible voting environment.”
The weather was largely conducive, and there were no marked heat wave-like conditions. Voters participated enthusiastically, and visuals of voting happening under bright blue to overcast skies emerged from the 10 States/UTs that went to polls in Phase-4. Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Jammu and Kashmir, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal are the States/UTs where polling took place in this phase. A total of 1717 candidates were in the electoral fray in this phase.
In an unfortunate incident, a polling official in Champapet, Telangana, passed away while on duty. Taking swift cognisance of the tragic demise, the Commission has directed CEO Telangana for immediate disbursal of ex-gratia payment to the family of the deceased polling officer.
Dr. Sanjay Kulkarni, an election expert, said, “The unfortunate incident in Champapet highlights the challenges faced by polling officials. The swift response by the Election Commission is commendable.”
The next phase (phase 5) polling is scheduled on May 20, 2024, in 49 PCs in 8 States/UTs.
