Lok Sabha Elections 2024: With the primary part of the Lok Sabha elections on April 19 recording a 3 per cent drop in the mixed voter turnout as in contrast to 2019, the Election Commission (EC) is planning to enhance its technique to enhance the voting proportion. Out of the 21 states and union territories that participated in the primary part, 19 witnessed a lower in voting percentages following which the ballot physique is ready to take key steps to enhance the numbers.
The Election Commission has acknowledged that it’s “very concerned” concerning the decline in voter turnout, with a senior official stating that whereas voter enthusiasm was evident, it was not enough to convey them to the polling stations. “The Election Commission had made a strong appeal for voting to raise awareness among voters. Efforts were also made to improve facilities at polling stations to make voting a pleasant experience, but it seems they fell short.”
What may very well be the explanations for low turnout
As per the stories, the low turnout in the continued Lok Sabha elections has been attributed to a number of elements. Firstly, the onset of a heatwave throughout the summer time has possible discouraged some voters from going to the polls. Additionally, the voting interval for this election started eight days later than it did in 2019, which can have affected voter participation. Furthermore, the timing of the polling date coinciding with the marriage season and festivals may have contributed to decrease turnout as nicely. Moreover, some voters could really feel that their particular person votes is not going to influence the result of the Lok Sabha elections, main to apathy in the direction of voting.
The Election Commission is presently analysing the explanations behind the low turnout and held a gathering with the India Meteorological Department (IMD), National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the Ministry of Health, to perceive the creating climate state of affairs and talk about measures to mitigate any threat due to sizzling climate situations throughout the interval of General Elections.
Voting proportion remained low in these states
Among the states and union territories, solely three states – Chhattisgarh, Meghalaya, and Sikkim – have witnessed the next turnout in contrast to 2019. Meanwhile, Nagaland recorded a voting proportion of 57.7 per cent, which is 25 proportion factors lower than in 2019. Additionally, there was a lower in turnout in Manipur by 7.7 proportion factors, in Madhya Pradesh by greater than 7 proportion factors, and in Rajasthan and Mizoram by greater than 6 proportion factors.
A state like Bihar recorded the bottom turnout of 49.2% in the primary part; Even although it didn’t shock the Election Commission because the survey coated the Left Wing Extremism affected space, the corresponding turnout was increased at 53.47 per cent in 2019. Similarly, in Uttar Pradesh (UP), the voting proportion decreased from 66.5 per cent to 61.1 per cent.
In the 2 states the place voting has concluded, Tamil Nadu and Uttarakhand, there was a decline in turnout. Despite a heated marketing campaign in Tamil Nadu, which included controversies such because the change between the DMK and the BJP over Tamil Nadu Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin’s ‘Sanatan Dharma’ comment, the state recorded a decrease turnout. In Uttarakhand, voter enthusiasm was additionally low, with turnout declining from 61.5 per cent to 57.2 per cent in contrast to 2019. West Bengal, recognized for its excessive turnout, noticed a powerful turnout of 81.9 per cent, however this was nonetheless decrease than the 84.7 per cent determine recorded in 2019.
Election Commission planning to enhance voter turnout
Election Commission sources talked about the problem of pinpointing particular voters liable for the low turnout. An Election Commission official said, “We don’t categorize or profile voters. Our focus is on motivating and mobilizing all segments of society to overcome apathy and participate in the voting process.”
The ballot physique is presently analysing the elements contributing to the decrease voter turnout. The EC goals to encourage and mobilize all voter classes with a revamped technique that features enhanced campaigns and efforts to remove apathy, making certain elevated voter turnout. This technique is scheduled to be carried out earlier than the second part of voting on April 26.
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