Nearly 67% voter turnout in first 4 phases of Lok Sabha elections: EC

The updated voter turnout figures for the third phase of polling in the Lok Sabha election stood at 65.68 percent. In the third phase of the 2019 general election, the turnout was 68.4 percent.

In the second phase of the election held on 26 April, the turnout was recorded at 66.71 percent as against 69.64 percent in the second phase of the 2019 polls.

In the first phase of the ongoing general elections, a 66.14-percent turnout was recorded. In the 2019 polls, the turnout in the first phase was 69.43 percent.

Also Read: Phase-4 voter turnout climbs over 67%, EC dismayed at poor urban participation

To focus on increasing turnout

The EC said there is an enhanced focus to inform, motivate, and facilitate voters in the remaining three phases of the parliamentary polls and state chief electoral officers have been asked to step up measures.

“The Commission strongly believes that partnership and collaboration are essential pillars of the voter awareness programme. It’s really heartening to see that on the Commission’s request, different institutions, influencers and celebrities having significant reach are working enthusiastically on a pro-bono basis,” Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar said.

A total of 379 seats across 23 states and Union Territories have voted in the first four phases of elections.

A high voter turnout, Kumar felt, would be a message from Indian voters to the world about the strength of Indian democracy. He urged voters to cast their ballot in huge numbers, as voting day is not a holiday but a day of pride to participate in the festival of democracy.

The poll panel also listed out outreach efforts undertaken by various private and public bodies to enhance voter participation in the elections.

Banks, post offices, private entities and telecom platforms are using their public interface to encourage registered voters to turn up at the polling stations on various voting days.

Also Read: Andhra Pradesh records highest turnout in South India; Telangana registers the lowest

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