Election Commission of India: List of Preparations for Phase-3 of Lok Sabha Polls
News Mania desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/8th May 2024
The Election Commission of India (ECI) is fully equipped and prepared for Phase-3 of the Lok Sabha elections scheduled for May 7. Despite predictions of normal weather conditions, meticulous arrangements have been made at all polling stations to ensure voter convenience, including provisions for water, shade, fans, and other facilities to mitigate the effects of hot weather.
To address any medical emergencies during polling, fixed-wing air ambulances and Pawan Hans helicopters have been stationed at Raipur, underscoring the Commission’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of voters and election personnel.
Encouraging a high voter turnout, the ECI has called upon citizens to exercise their franchise responsibly and with pride. Collaborating with major telecom service providers, the Commission has launched initiatives to disseminate messages and voice calls featuring national and state icons, aimed at encouraging voter participation before and during polling days.
In adherence to transparency norms, the ECI records voter turnout at each polling station in absolute numbers as per statutory requirements. Copies of Form 17C, containing booth-wise data of actual votes polled and signed by the Presiding Officer and polling agents, are shared with all present polling agents, ensuring transparency in the electoral process.
Furthermore, the ECI has introduced the Voter Turnout app, providing real-time State/PC/AC-wise tentative turnout figures, updated every two hours until 7 pm on polling days. This initiative enhances transparency and facilitates media and stakeholders in accessing relevant information about voter turnout.
Innovating further, the Voter Turnout app now displays aggregated phase-wise turnout figures, in addition to State/PC/AC-wise data, providing customized information for better facilitation of media and stakeholders.
Phase-3 of the Lok Sabha polls covers 93 constituencies across 11 States/UTs. Notably, polling for the Anantnag-Rajouri PC in Jammu and Kashmir has been rescheduled to the Sixth phase, while Surat PC will witness no polling, as the candidate has been elected unopposed.
Tragically, Anuj Thapan, one of the detained individuals in connection with the Salman Khan firing case, succumbed to injuries after attempting suicide while in police custody. This unfortunate incident underscores the complexities and challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in investigating criminal cases.
In a proactive measure to ensure smooth conduct of polling, polling parties have been dispatched to their respective stations, with special arrangements made in regions with geographical challenges, such as deploying Sashastra Seema Bal troops on boats in Assam and navigating rivers in Bihar to reach polling stations.
The key facts pertaining to Phase-3 of the Lok Sabha polls include polling for 93 parliamentary constituencies, welcoming over 17.24 crore voters across 1.85 lakh polling stations. The ECI has facilitated optional home voting for elderly and Persons with Disabilities (PwD) voters, receiving significant appreciation and response.
With a robust network of observers, flying squads, surveillance teams, and border check posts, the ECI remains vigilant against any attempts to influence voters through inducements. Assured minimum facilities and voter information slips have been provided to ensure a seamless voting experience for all citizens.
Moreover, voters can access their polling station details and poll date through the Electoral Search portal, with alternative identification documents accepted for voting in addition to Voter ID cards.
In conclusion, the ECI’s comprehensive preparations for Phase-3 of the Lok Sabha polls underscore its commitment to conducting free, fair, and transparent elections, safeguarding the democratic rights of citizens and upholding the integrity of the electoral process.
