Vientiane: Voting concluded peacefully today in Jharkhand and Maharashtra, with notable voter turnout figures recorded in both states. Jharkhand surpassed its 2019 turnout with 67.59% participation by 5 PM, compared to 67.04% in the 2019 Assembly Elections, signaling increased voter engagement. Meanwhile, Maharashtra recorded a turnout of 58.22% by the same time, reflecting a continued challenge in boosting urban participation, particularly in cities like Mumbai, Pune, and Thane.
Simultaneous Polling for all 288 Assembly Constituencies (ACs) in Maharashtra and 38 ACs in Jharkhand in Phase-2 was conducted smoothly, with voters still in queues as polling hours drew to a close. The Commission implemented a range of initiatives aimed at enhancing voter participation, including the setting up of over 1,185 polling stations in high-rise buildings and urban centres in Maharashtra, as part of efforts to counter urban apathy.
The Election Commission of India (ECI), led by Chief Election Commissioner Shri Rajiv Kumar and supported by Election Commissioners Shri Gyanesh Kumar and Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, closely monitored the process, ensuring ease of voting for all citizens, especially those in Left Wing Extremism (LWE)-affected areas in both states, such as Gadchiroli in Maharashtra and Giridih in Jharkhand.
Key Highlights:
- Maharashtra’s low urban voter turnout remained a concern, despite extensive awareness campaigns involving celebrities such as Sachin Tendulkar and Rajkummar Rao urging citizens to vote. At some polling stations in Mumbai, elderly voters were greeted with certificates and plants as a gesture of appreciation.
- In Jharkhand, special measures were taken to encourage tribal voter participation. 48 Unique Polling Stations, designed with tribal cultural themes, were set up to create a welcoming environment. The state also ensured the 100% enrolment of members from 8 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).
- By-elections were also held in 15 ACs and one parliamentary constituency across 15 states, including Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Uttarakhand, and Kerala.
- Seizure figures during the elections crossed Rs. 1000 crore, with Rs. 1139 crore in total, highlighting the Commission’s efforts to curb the influence of money and muscle power in elections.
In Maharashtra, more than 1185 polling stations were equipped with essential facilities such as benches, wheelchairs, and volunteers, while Assured Minimum Facilities (AMF) were provided at stations in rural and urban areas. The cVIGIL app, designed to report violations of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC), saw 24,992 complaints, with a 99% resolution rate.
Security and Oversight:
In Uttar Pradesh, the ECI acted on complaints of arbitrary checking by suspending police personnel in Moradabad, Kanpur, and Muzaffarnagar for violating guidelines. This action reflects the ECI’s stringent stance on ensuring a free, fair, and impartial election process.
Looking Ahead:
Polling stations in both states continued to stay open late, with voters queuing up to cast their ballots. The provisional voter turnout figures for both states are set to be updated on the Voter Turnout App by the Returning Officers (ROs) once the polls close and the final scrutiny is done.
This election process, despite challenges, showcased the ECI’s commitment to increasing participation, particularly in urban centres and underrepresented groups, making significant strides towards more inclusive and accessible elections.
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