May 14th 2024.
The fourth phase of the Lok Sabha polls, which took place on Monday, has seen a significant increase in voter turnout as compared to the previous phases. According to the latest data shared by the Election Commission, the voter turnout has reached 67.25% as of 11:45pm. This is a 1.74% increase from the turnout in the same phase during the 2019 parliamentary elections. The Commission has stated that these numbers will continue to be updated as the polling parties return from their duties.
This phase of the election included 96 seats, bringing the total number of seats that have gone to polls to 379 across 23 states and Union territories. In addition, the Assembly elections in Andhra Pradesh, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh have also been completed. In comparison, during the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the fourth phase saw a turnout of 65.51% with polling in 71 seats across nine states.
The first phase of the current general election had a turnout of 66.14%, while the first phase of the 2019 polls saw a turnout of 69.43%. In the second phase, held on April 26, the turnout was recorded at 66.71%, lower than the 69.64% recorded in the second phase of the 2019 elections. The third phase had a turnout of 65.68%, compared to 68.4% in the third phase of the 2019 general election.
The Election Commission follows a procedure of scrutinizing election papers and deciding on re-polls the day after polling, in the presence of candidates or their authorized agents. Depending on the number and schedule of re-polls, the updated voter turnout with a gender-wise breakdown will be published by May 17.
The recent low voter turnout has been attributed to the heatwave conditions, but the Election Commission has been working towards increasing voter registration and participation. This effort has been described as "from roll to poll" by the Commission. The Commission had expressed disappointment at the low turnout in metro cities, citing it as urban and youth apathy towards elections. However, since registration and voting are not mandatory by law, the Commission has been working in a "persuasive space" to encourage people to enroll and vote.
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