india-preps-for-world-s-biggest-democracy-celebration-general-elections-2024-to-begin-tomorrow

India is all set to celebrate the world’s grandest festival of democracy as the voting for the General Elections 2024 kicks off tomorrow.

 

After two years of intensive preparations, the Election Commission of India is all set to host this monumental event, encompassing 102 Lok Sabha seats, 16.63 crore voters and 1.87 lakh polling stations in Phase 1 alone.

 

With the countdown to the elections nearing it’s end, the Election Commission reaffirms it’s commitment to ensuring free, fair, peaceful and accessibly electoral process.

 

Read more: Polls belong to you, you're deciding govt: CEC highlights importance of vote (newsarenaindia.com)

 

Over the past two years, rigorous efforts and meticulous planning have gone into making this elections experience seamless and effective for India’s electorate.

 

The commission, led by CEC Rajiv Kumar and EC’s Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, has put the final touches on the preparations for Phase 1, which commences on April 19.

 

Over the next six phases, the election process will continue until June 1 with a staggering 97 crore voters expected to exercise their democratic right. The counting of votes is scheduled for June 4.

 

Phase 1 of the elections presents a monumental task, with polling set for 102 Parliamentary Constituencies across 21 States/UTs and 92 Assembly Constituencies in Arunachal and Sikkim.

 

Over 18 lakh polling officials stand ready to welcome the electorate across 1.87 lakh polling stations, ensuring a smooth and efficient voting process.

 

Stringent measures have been implemented, including the deployment of central forces at polling stations and the use of webcasting in over 50% of polling stations.

 

With the deployment of over 3600 observers and extensive surveillance teams, any attempt to influence voters is swiftly addressed.

 

The Commission has also taken significant steps to facilitate voter participation, particularly for elderly and differently-abled voters.

 

Over 14 lakh registered voters aged 85 and above, along with nearly 14 lakh PwD voters, have been provided with the option of voting from their homes.

 

Model polling stations have also been established, with over 5000 stations managed entirely by women.