Polling in the fifth phase of the General Elections 2024 commenced at 7 AM today across 49 parliamentary constituencies (PCs), recording an approximate voter turnout of 57.47% by 7:45 PM. Despite the hot weather in many regions, voters turned out in large numbers. Polling officially ended at 6 PM, but many voters remained in queues at polling stations.
High Turnout in Baramulla, Jammu & Kashmir
Polling in Baramulla, Jammu & Kashmir, was notably peaceful with a turnout of 54.49% by 7:45 PM, the highest recorded in 35 years. Other regions that went to the polls in this phase included Bihar, Ladakh, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal, with a total of 695 candidates competing.
The Election Commission, led by Chief Election Commissioner Shri Rajiv Kumar, along with Election Commissioners Shri Gyanesh Kumar and Shri Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, closely monitored the polling process, issuing necessary directions throughout the day. Robust security measures ensured a safe voting environment. Weather conditions were generally normal except for isolated pockets of hot weather.
Women Voters’ Participation
Women voters actively participated across various polling stations during this phase. The Election Commission’s efforts to encourage voter turnout included motivational videos uploaded by celebrities, such as SVEEP National Icon Rajkummar Rao, who showcased their inked fingers on social media platforms.
Provisional Voter Turnout by State
As of 7:45 PM, the provisional voter turnout figures are as follows:
Total 8 States/UTs 49 57.47
Scrutiny and Possible Repoll
The scrutiny of election papers will take place the day after polling in the presence of candidates or their authorized agents. Decisions regarding any repolls will be made following the scrutiny. Updated voter turnout figures, along with gender-wise breakdowns, will be published by May 24, 2024.
Urban Apathy in Cities
Urban centers like Mumbai, Thane, Nashik, and Lucknow continued to show lower voter engagement, a trend observed in the previous general elections of 2019. Despite this, numerous celebrities and citizens waited patiently to vote, proudly displaying their inked fingers.
Conclusion of Polling in Multiple States
With the conclusion of phase 5, polling for the General Elections 2024 has been completed in 25 States/UTs covering 428 PCs. Additionally, polling is complete for the State Legislative Assemblies of Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Andhra Pradesh, and 63 assembly seats in Odisha.
The next phase, phase 6, is scheduled for May 25, 2024, covering 58 PCs, including the adjourned poll in the Anantnag-Rajouri PC in 8 States/UTs. High-resolution photos from today’s polling can be accessed on the Election Commission of India’s photo gallery.
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