lok-sabha-elections-2024-results-counting-begins

The counting of votes for the Lok Sabha seats in the 2024 elections is set to begin at 8 am on Tuesday. This process will also include counting for the Assembly elections held simultaneously in Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh. Additionally, the results for 175 Assembly constituencies in Andhra Pradesh, 147 in Odisha, and 25 bypolls will be announced today.

 

Security has been tightened to ensure the smooth conduct of counting for over 8,000 candidates participating in these general elections. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is aiming for a third consecutive term, while the Congress-led opposition seeks to challenge their hold on power.

 

Most exit polls predict a victory for PM Modi, potentially making him the first Prime Minister since Jawaharlal Nehru to secure three successive terms.

 

Leaders from the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) bloc recently met with the Election Commission of India, urging that postal ballots be counted and their results declared before announcing the outcomes from Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).

 

Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar assured that a robust system is in place for the counting process, involving around 10.5 lakh booths, each with 14 tables, and nearly 70-80 lakh personnel, including observers and micro-observers.

 

In Delhi, stringent security measures are in place with about 70 companies of security forces deployed at all seven counting centres. The Delhi traffic police have also issued advisories on traffic restrictions and diversions to ensure smooth vehicular movement.

 

Gujarat, the home state of PM Modi, is also prepared for the vote-counting day with security forces conducting rehearsals and drills.

 

Exit polls have largely predicted a return of the BJP to power, with some suggesting that the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) could achieve a significant majority.

 

Predictions indicate the possibility of the NDA surpassing their 2019 performance when they won 352 seats. Some polls even suggest that the BJP alone could improve on their previous tally of 303 seats.

 

In the 2019 elections, the NDA secured 353 seats, with the BJP winning 303. The opposition's United Progressive Alliance (UPA) managed only 93 seats, with the Congress obtaining 52.

 

The 2024 Lok Sabha elections were conducted in seven phases across various dates: April 19, April 26, May 7, May 13, May 20, May 25, and June 1. The Election Commission of India (ECI) has made arrangements for tracking counting trends and results, which will be available on their website and the Voter Helpline App for both iOS and Android devices.

 

Users can find detailed information about winning, leading, or trailing candidates and constituency-wise or state-wise results. The local display of trends and results will also be available through Digital Display Panels as arranged by the CEOs, ROs, and DEOs.

 

As the nation awaits the results, the meticulous preparations and robust systems in place aim to ensure a smooth and transparent counting process, reflecting the democratic choice of millions of voters across the country.