TFP Bureau, New Delhi ; April 18, 2024: With the commencement of Phase 1 tomorrow, India is poised to embark on the world’s biggest festival of democracy as voting for the 18th Lok Sabha and Legislative Assemblies in four states gets underway. The Election Commission of India has left no stone unturned in ensuring a seamless, fair, and participative electoral process, marking the culmination of two years of meticulous preparations.
As the first phase of polling approaches, the Commission reiterates its unwavering commitment to conducting free, fair, peaceful, accessible, participative, and inducement-free elections. Over the past two years, the Commission, along with its teams across states and union territories, has diligently worked to provide India’s electorate with the best possible voting experience. This effort involved extensive consultations, reviews, field visits, and comprehensive training of officials, along with the implementation of new and updated operating procedures in collaboration with various agencies and organizations nationwide.
Led by CEC Shri Rajiv Kumar and ECs Shri Gyanesh Kumar and Shri Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, the Commission gave final touches to poll preparations today at 12 noon to ensure a smooth conduct of Phase 1 of General Elections 2024. The subsequent six phases will continue until June 1st, with approximately 97 crore voters expected to cast their votes. Vote counting is scheduled for June 4th.
The Commission now calls upon voters to fulfill their civic duty. In a nationally televised message, CEC Shri Rajiv Kumar appealed to all voters to exercise their franchise without fail, emphasizing the importance of each vote in shaping the nation’s future.
**Phase 1 Highlights**
Phase 1 of the General Elections 2024 will witness polling for 102 Parliamentary Constituencies (General- 73; ST- 11; SC-18) across 21 States/ UTs, along with 92 Assembly Constituencies in Arunachal and Sikkim. Notably, this phase has the highest number of parliamentary constituencies among all phases.
Key statistics for Phase 1 include:
- Over 18 lakh polling officials ready to assist over 16.63 crore voters across 1.87 lakh polling stations.
- Voters comprising 8.4 crore Male, 8.23 crore Female, and 11,371 Third gender electors.
- 35.67 lakh first-time voters registered, along with 3.51 crore young voters aged 20-29 years.
- 1625 candidates (Males – 1491; Females-134) in the fray.
To ensure peace and purity in the electoral process, the Commission has deployed central forces adequately at polling stations, implemented webcasting in over 50% of polling stations, and stationed micro observers at all polling stations. Additionally, a comprehensive surveillance system comprising Flying Squads, Surveillance Teams, and Border Check Posts has been put in place to swiftly address any attempts to influence voters through inducement.
Voter Facilitation and Support
The Commission has introduced several measures to facilitate voting, including optional home voting facilities for registered elderly and PwD voters, assured minimum facilities at polling stations, and model polling stations managed entirely by women and persons with disabilities.
Voters are encouraged to verify information from authenticated sources to guard against misinformation and fake news. Additionally, the Commission has provided alternative identity verification documents besides Voter ID cards for convenience at polling stations.
With these preparations in place, India stands ready to embark on a historic electoral journey, reinforcing its democratic ethos and commitment to ensuring every citizen’s voice is heard.
