India gears up for Lok Sabha elections as 28 states and eight Union Territories prepare to head to the polls. The seven-phase electoral process is scheduled to commence on April 19th. According to a statement from the Election Commission of India, a staggering 16.63 crore voters are eligible to participate in this democratic exercise. To facilitate smooth voting procedures, authorities have established a total of 1.87 lakh polling stations and deployed 18 lakh personnel across the nation.
“The Election Commission of India has meticulously arranged for the commencement of the largest celebration of democracy as the 18th Lok Sabha elections and Legislative Assembly polls in four states kick off tomorrow with Phase 1,” stated the release. Phase 1 boasts the highest count of parliamentary constituencies compared to all other phases. Voting is scheduled to commence at 7 AM and conclude at 6 PM, although specific closure timings may vary on a per-constituency basis, clarified the poll body.
Among the electorate, there are 8.4 crore males, 8.23 crore females, and 11,371 third-gender electors, along with 35.67 lakh first-time voters and 3.51 crore young voters aged between 20 and 29 years. The total number of candidates contesting stands at 1,625, comprising 1,491 males and 134 females. The Election Commission has disclosed the deployment of 41 helicopters, 84 special trains, and nearly 1 lakh vehicles to transport polling and security personnel. Moreover, webcasting will cover over 50% of polling stations, complemented by micro observers stationed at every polling booth. A contingent of 361 observers, comprising 127 general observers, 67 police observers, and 167 expenditure observers, has already arrived at their respective constituencies in advance before the polls.
They act as the Commission’s vigilant watchdogs, ensuring keen oversight. Moreover, Special Observers have been dispatched to specific states for enhanced monitoring. A comprehensive network comprising 4,627 Flying Squads, 5,208 Statistical Surveillance Teams, 2,028 Video Surveillance Teams, and 1,255 Video Viewing Teams operates around the clock to promptly address any attempts to influence voters. Additionally, 1,374 inter-state and 162 international border check posts maintain strict vigilance against the illegal movement of liquor, drugs, cash, and inducements. Stringent surveillance measures are also enforced along sea and air routes.
In the 102 parliamentary constituencies, there are more than 14.14 lakh registered voters aged 85 years and above, along with 13.89 lakh Persons with Disabilities (PwD) voters. They have been granted the opportunity to cast their votes from their residences, thanks to the optional Home Voting facility. The Election Commission of India has expressed satisfaction with the overwhelming positive response received for this initiative. The 2024 general elections in India will span seven phases, commencing on April 19 and concluding on June 1, aimed at electing the 543 members of the 18th Lok Sabha. The results of the elections are scheduled to be announced on June 4.