New Delhi, April 19: Voting has officially commenced for the Lok Sabha elections marking the beginning of the electoral process to determine the next Prime Minister of India.
The first phase of voting began Friday morning and will be followed by six more phases until June 1st. The polling stations were thrown open at 7 am. Citizens are eagerly participating in this crucial phase across 102 Lok Sabha constituencies.
In this first phase of the General Elections 2024, voters in 21 States/UTs will cast their ballots for 102 Parliamentary Constituencies, including 73 General, 11 ST, and 18 SC constituencies, alongside 92 Assembly Constituencies in Arunachal and Sikkim. This phase boasts the largest number of parliamentary seats among all phases.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeks an unprecedented third consecutive term, while various opposition parties, including the Congress, have formed alliances to challenge the ruling BJP and its affiliates.
With 102 Lok Sabha seats at stake and 16.63 crore eligible voters, alongside 1.87 lakh polling stations and 18 lakh personnel involved, this first phase is of monumental importance.
The Election Commission of India has prepared for this massive democratic endeavour, ensuring a seamless voting experience for all participants. Over the past two years, extensive groundwork has been laid by the Commission and its teams across States and Union Territories to facilitate a smooth electoral process.
Following today’s kickoff, the subsequent six phases will unfold until June 1st, with an estimated 97 crore voters expected to participate. Vote counting is scheduled for June 4th. The Commission urges voters to exercise their franchise responsibly and proudly, emphasizing the critical role each citizen plays in shaping the nation’s future.
Notably, special provisions have been made for elderly and Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) voters, including the option for home voting. Moreover, comprehensive facilities such as pick-up and drop services, braille signage on EVMs, and wheelchair booking via the ECI Saksham App ensure inclusivity and accessibility for all voters.
To enhance the voting experience further, model polling stations have been established, with over 5,000 stations entirely managed by women and more than 1,000 by PwDs. Voter Information Slips have been distributed to facilitate voter turnout, while alternative identity documents beyond Voter ID cards are accepted for verification at polling stations.
Amidst the electoral fervour, the Commission cautions against misinformation and fake news, providing authenticated resources to combat false narratives. Voters are encouraged to verify information through credible channels to safeguard the integrity of the democratic process.