Lok Sabha elections 2024: Senior citizens of above 85 years in MP to vote at home

Madhya Pradesh Chief Electoral Officer Anupam Rajan announced that individuals aged above 85 will now have the opportunity to vote from their residences, ensuring convenience during the voting process. Providing insights into the voter demographics, he stated, “The total number of voters in Madhya Pradesh amounts to 5,64,76,110, comprising 2.90 crores males and 2.74 crores females.”

Detailing further, he mentioned, “There are 16,49,641 new voters in the 18 to 19 age group, while the state registers 2,89,503 voters aged 85 and above. The process of adding names to the voter list will continue until 10 days before the nomination filing deadline.”

In a notable move, the Election Commission introduced ‘vote-from-home’ provisions for citizens above 85 years and individuals with disabilities during the Lok Sabha elections. The commission specified that voters above 85 years and those with a 40 per cent benchmark disability can avail of this facility. Polling stations will deploy volunteers and wheelchairs, along with arranging transport for persons with disabilities and the elderly.

Addressing concerns regarding law and order, Anupam Rajan stated that 1.25 lakh weapons have been collected, with 152 illegal weapons seized thus far. Additionally, over 500 checkpoints across the state are conducting inspections.

Rajan highlighted, “More than 50 per cent of polling stations will have live streaming, and GPS will be installed in all vehicles transporting EVM machines.” He added that 5.5 lakh personnel will be deployed for election duties.

Regarding Pink polling booths, Rajan noted that 3,500 polling centers will be established, with a total of 64,503 polling stations across the state. Notably, the Chhindwara Lok Sabha constituency will have the lowest number of booths (1,934), while Mandla will have the highest (2,614). Similarly, Chhindwara will enroll the lowest number of voters (16,32,074), while the Indore parliamentary seat will have the highest (25,13,424).

Madhya Pradesh will conduct Lok Sabha elections in four phases, commencing on April 19 and concluding on May 15. Bhopal’s voting will occur during the third phase of the polls.