Lok Sabha elections 2024: As India is about to roll out its huge pageant of democracy by means of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections 2024, the Election Commission of India introduced a sequence of stringent security measures nationwide to make sure peaceable polling in all 28 states and eight Union Territories. Nearly 97 crore individuals are eligible to solid their votes within the upcoming polls at over 10.5 lakh polling stations.
The Lok Sabha elections will be held in seven phases starting from April 19 and outcomes will be introduced on June 4, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar stated on Saturday. The different phases will be on April 26, May 7, May 13, May 20, May 25 and June 1. Approximately 1.5 crore polling officers have been deployed nationwide to supervise the electoral processs.
Addressing the much-anticipated convention, CEC Kumar stated that strict instructions have been given to District Magistrates and Superintendents of Police to make sure a stage enjoying subject for all events. “CAPF is to be deployed adequately and assisted by Integrated control rooms in each district. Check posts and drones to ensure vigil. Ensuring voters’ trust is paramount. Violence in elections is unacceptable. Impersonators are to be swiftly punished. Transparency in permissions to parties/candidates through the SUVIDHA portal,” he stated.
Challenges to conduct free and truthful elections
The CEC highlighted the challenges in conducting free and truthful elections by means of 4 Ms: muscle, cash, misinformation, and MCC violations. “Tackling misinformation in today’s digital age is complex. We have put certain measures in place to ensure misinformation is nipped in the bud. We’re proactive in debunking fake news. Originators of fake news are to be dealt with severely as per extant laws,” he added.
The Election Commission has prioritised a number of key factors for guaranteeing a protected polling course of. These embody switch of officers for impartiality, randomisation of polling employees and participation of polling brokers at each sales space. The intention of those directives is to make sure transparency and forestall of discriminatory motion in opposition to get together staff.
Additionally, 24×7 built-in management rooms and webcasting in delicate polling cubicles have been arrange. Drone-based checking at borders will take place together with a full surveillance of historical past sheeters. CEC Kumar additionally urged political events to chorus from private assaults and foul language.
Over 2,100 General, Police, and Expenditure Observers are being deployed for the upcoming elections, stated the Election Commissioner, which will oversee pressure deployment and randomisation of personnel and machines and conduct intimidation-free elections. The Commission additionally directed enforcement businesses to crack down on illicit cash, liquor, medicine and freebies, reporting a surge of 800% to Rs 3,400 crore in 11 states within the 2022-23 election cycle.
Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar stated that there isn’t a place for massacre and violence within the elections.”From wherever we will receive the information of violence, we will take action against them,” he stated.
“Elections aim for key outcomes: enhanced citizen participation and zero violence. The Commission strives for reduced repolls, no inducements, clear campaigns, and curbing fake narratives. Ensuring a successful electoral process is top priority,” Kumar added. The ECI has additionally supplied 27 apps and portals for all stakeholders, together with cVigil which empowers residents to report MCC violations and warranted motion inside 100 minutes.
What do the numbers say?
According to the Election Commission, there are 97 crore registered voters throughout India who will vote within the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. Among them, 49.70 crore are male voters and 47.10 crore are feminine voters. “We have 1.8 crore first-time voters and 19.47 crore voters between the age group of 20-29 years,” stated Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar.
The ECI additional stated that 82 lakh PwDs, 2.2 lakh 100+ and 48,000 third-gender voters will take part within the elections. Over 85 lakh first-time girls voters will take part within the elections and 12 states have an elector gender ratio of about 1,000
The Election Commission stated 102 constituencies will go for polls within the first part on April 19, adopted by 89 constituencies within the second part on April 26. The second part will be held on April 26, the third on May 7 and fourth on May 13, fifth on May 20, sixth on May 25 and seventh part on June 1. In the primary part, 102 constituencies will go for polls, 89 constituencies within the second part, 94 constituencies within the third, 96 within the fourth part, 49 within the fifth part, 57 within the sixth part and 57 within the seventh part.
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