High Voter Turnout Marks Third Phase of India’s Lok Sabha Elections

In the third phase of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections that concluded on Tuesday, 93 constituencies across India witnessed a robust voter turnout of 64.4%, according to the Election Commission of India (ECI). The highest turnout was in Assam, with 81.61% of eligible voters casting their ballots in four constituencies. In contrast, Uttar Pradesh saw the lowest turnout at 57.34% across ten constituencies.

Other states participating in this phase also showed varied turnout figures. Bihar reported a 58.18% voter turnout, Chhattisgarh had 71.06%, Goa 75.20%, Gujarat 58.98%, Karnataka 70.41%, Madhya Pradesh 66.05%, Maharashtra 61.44%, and West Bengal at 75.79%. These figures remain provisional and may be updated following further reviews from field officers.

Polling officially closed at 6 PM, but many voters continued to queue at polling stations beyond this time, demonstrating keen participation. The ECI emphasized that the elections were conducted smoothly and peacefully, including in the north-eastern states, LWE-affected areas, and other vulnerable regions in Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh.

This phase of polling also saw a significant presence of international observers. Around 75 delegates from 23 countries visited polling stations in six states, observing the dispatch of polling materials and expressing admiration for the transparent electoral process and the festive atmosphere among voters.

The ECI has made special arrangements to combat the summer heat, providing shelters, drinking water, medical kits, and fans at polling stations. Unique initiatives were also noted, such as the Shimoga Zilla Panchayat in Karnataka, which created a themed polling booth where voters could sit on thrones, highlighting the democratic principle that every citizen is a sovereign entity during elections.

Commercial establishments have joined in encouraging voter participation. In Hubbali, an ice cream shop offered free treats to voters, and in Indore, eateries provided free snacks early in the day to those who had already voted. Maharashtra businesses offered discounts to anyone showing an inked finger.

Notable candidates in this phase included Union Home Minister Amit Shah, former chief ministers Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Digvijaya Singh, Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, and leaders Dimple Yadav and Supriya Sule, among others.

The third phase covered multiple states and territories including Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Assam, West Bengal, Bihar, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh. The next phase is scheduled for May 13, 2024, and will include 96 constituencies across 10 states and territories.

With Phase 3 now complete, the election process has covered 20 States and Union Territories and 283 Parliamentary Constituencies. As the nation anticipates the next phase, the electoral journey continues towards shaping India’s next government, with the vote count scheduled for June 4.