Phase-5 of Lok Sabha Elections: Voting in 49 constituencies across 8 states/UTs

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has begun polling for the Phase-5 of the Lok Sabha polls today. Polling started taking place in 49 Parliamentary Constituencies across eight States and Union Territories. Additionally, 35 Assembly Constituencies of the Odisha Legislative Assembly have also gone to the polls simultaneously.

Polling stations are equipped with basic facilities such as shade, drinking water, ramps, and toilets to ensure a comfortable and secure environment for voters. The respective Chief Electoral Officers and District Election Officers, along with state machinery, have been instructed to manage hot weather conditions in affected areas. Polling parties have been dispatched with necessary machines and poll materials to their designated stations.

The ECI has urged voters to participate in large numbers, emphasizing voting as a responsibility and a source of pride. So far, the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections have recorded a voter turnout of approximately 66.95%, with around 451 million people casting their votes in the first four phases.

Polling in Phase-5 covers eight States/UTs: Bihar, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal. Major cities like Mumbai, Thane, and Lucknow, known for lower voter turnout, are also part of this phase. The ECI has specifically appealed to urban voters to increase their participation and improve voter turnout.

To motivate voters, the ECI has partnered with prominent figures, including Cricket legend and ECI National Icon Sachin Tendulkar, who is making appeals to encourage voting.

The remaining three phases of the election will continue until June 1, with vote counting scheduled for June 4. The first four phases saw polling completed in 379 Parliamentary Constituencies across 23 States/UTs in a smooth and peaceful manner.

For Phase-5, voting began on May 20, 2024, from 7 AM and will go on till 6 PM across 49 Parliamentary Constituencies, including 39 General, 3 Scheduled Tribe (ST), and 7 Scheduled Caste (SC) constituencies. In Odisha, 35 Assembly Constituencies, comprising 21 General, 8 ST, and 6 SC seats, will also conduct polls.

Approximately 9.47 lakh polling officials will facilitate voting for over 8.95 crore registered voters at 94,732 polling stations. The voter demographic includes 4.69 crore male, 4.26 crore female, and 5409 third-gender electors. Notably, over 7.81 lakh voters aged 85+, 24,792 voters aged 100+, and 7.03 lakh Persons with Disabilities (PwD) have the option to vote from home, a facility receiving positive feedback.

Polling logistics include 17 special trains and 508 helicopter sorties to transport polling and security personnel. A total of 153 observers (55 General, 30 Police, and 68 Expenditure Observers) are already in their constituencies to ensure vigilant monitoring, along with 2000 Flying Squads, 2105 Static Surveillance Teams, 881 Video Surveillance Teams, and 502 Video Viewing Teams.

Strict surveillance is maintained at 216 international border check posts and 565 inter-state border check posts to prevent the illicit flow of liquor, drugs, cash, and freebies. Sea and air routes are also under stringent watch.

The ECI has ensured Assured Minimum Facilities at polling stations, including water, sheds, toilets, ramps, volunteers, wheelchairs, and electricity, to facilitate voting for all, especially the elderly and PwD voters. Voter Information Slips have been distributed to all registered voters, serving as both facilitation measures and invitations to vote. Voters can also check polling station details and poll dates online.

Twelve alternative identity verification documents, apart from the Voter ID card (EPIC), are accepted at polling stations to ensure every registered voter can participate.

Dr. S.Y. Quraishi, former Chief Election Commissioner, commented, “The ECI’s extensive preparations and voter facilitation measures reflect its commitment to ensuring a smooth electoral process.”

Political analyst Neerja Chowdhury added, “Urban voter turnout has traditionally been low; the ECI’s focus on cities like Mumbai and Lucknow is crucial for higher participation.”