TFP Bureau, New Delhi, April 20, 2024: The first phase of General Elections 2024 witnessed a remarkable turnout of voters across 21 States/Union Territories, defying a prevailing heat wave. Polling was conducted peacefully, with citizens from diverse backgrounds showcasing enthusiastic participation in a vibrant display of civic duty and national pride.
Polling concluded for 10 States/UTs, including most of the Northeast region, alongside State Legislative Assemblies of Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh, to elect the 18th Lok Sabha. The Election Commission expressed gratitude to the voters of the first phase and the entire election machinery for their dedicated efforts.
According to tentative figures reported by the Election Commission, voter turnout exceeded 60% by 7 PM. Detailed state-wise figures are provided in Annexure A. The Commission expects the voting percentage to rise further as data from all polling stations is consolidated. Final figures will be confirmed following the scrutiny of Form 17A.
CEC Shri Rajiv Kumar and ECs Shri Gyanesh Kumar and Shri Sukhbir Singh Sandhu oversaw polling progress from the ECI Headquarters at Nirvachan Sadan, where a state-of-the-art control room was established. Similar control rooms were set up at state and district levels to monitor operations seamlessly.
Against a backdrop of peace and harmony, voters from all corners of the nation exercised their democratic right with pride. In Left Wing Extremist (LWE) affected areas of Chhattisgarh, communities chose the ballot over the bullet, with 56 villages in Bastar participating in a Lok Sabha election for the first time within their own village premises. Notable efforts were witnessed, such as medical facilities provided at the Model Polling Station in PC-163, Bijapur, and the use of local tribal dialects in booths like Hemalkasa, Gadchiroli-Chimur.
In a historic moment, the Shompen tribe of Great Nicobar cast their votes for the first time, joining other tribal communities in reaffirming their commitment to the electoral process. Elderly voters in Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh displayed extraordinary determination by participating actively in the voting despite challenges.
Despite adverse weather conditions in some regions, voters showcased remarkable resilience. The Assured Minimum Facilities provided by the Election Commission at polling stations played a crucial role in supporting voters throughout the electoral process.
In a nation-wide spectacle, voters arrived in colorful traditional attire, sharing selfies proudly displaying inked fingers—a symbol of their fulfillment of civic duty.
Phase 1 of General Elections 2024 covered 102 Parliamentary Constituencies across 21 States/UTs, including Uttarakhand, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Mizoram, Tamil Nadu, and Union Territories of Puducherry, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and Lakshadweep. The Election Commission remains committed to ensuring a smooth, transparent, and inclusive electoral process in subsequent phases.
