Lok Sabha Elections 2024 : 73.5 per cent voter turnout recorded-violence in Andhra Pradesh and Bengal

**Record Voter Turnout in Lok Sabha 2024 Marred by Violent Incidents**

The marathon 2024 Lok Sabha elections, conducted over 7 phases starting April 11th, witnessed an impressive 73.5% voter turnout as per the latest figures from the Election Commission. This is a new record, surpassing the 67.1% turnout from 2019. Over 900 million eligible voters cast their vote to elect 543 members of the 17th Lok Sabha.

“This robust democratic participation across the length and breadth of our nation is truly inspiring,” said Chief Election Commissioner Rajeev Kumar. “However, we cannot overlook the deplorable acts of violence that mars this exercise of popular will.”

The polls were largely peaceful barring a few trouble spots like Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal where clashes and violence disrupted the process. In Vizianagaram district of Andhra, supporters of rival parties pelted stones leading to injuries to 15 people. Polling at over a dozen booths had to be suspended.

More tragically, three polling officials lost their lives in North 24 Parganas of West Bengal. According to ground reports, political workers from two major parties clashed, leading to firing and deaths. This area remained tense through the day with paramilitary forces deployed to ensure peaceful polling.

International election observers present across India expressed concern over these incidents. “For a vibrant democracy, it is crucial that voters feel completely free to exercise their franchise without fear or intimidation,” said Paulina Greenstein from the European Union observer team.

The Commonwealth observer group stated it will pay close attention to any emerging reports of irregularities as the counting of millions of EVMs takes place over the next 10 days. “We urge all parties to respect the electoral verdict and directly raise any grievances through prescribed legal channels,” their statement read.

As the rounds of hectic campaigning over the past two months wind down, the national focus has now shifted to the mammoth counting exercise on May 23rd. Exit polls have been divided on their outcome projections leaving a quivering sense of uncertainty.

No matter which parties or alliances attain a majority in the new Lok Sabha, they face an urgent test in addressing incidents of violence and safeguarding the integrity of polls. After such a vigorous democratic participation by India’s voters, any attempts to disrupt or delegitimize the process will be hugely damaging.

Democracy relies on the legitimacy conferred by free and faire elections. All political forces must reaffirm their commitment to constitutional values and norms that undergird this legitimacy. The onus is on the political leadership to provide reassurance that they will accept the popular mandate with grace and responsibility.

Only such conduct that respects the popular will can heal the pain caused by the sporadic incidents of violence during this electoral exercise. The resilience and wisdom of the Indian voter deserves no less.

FAQs:

Q: How does the 73.5% voter turnout compare to previous elections? A: This is a new national record, surpassing the 67.1% turnout in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. It reflects robust democratic participation of Indian voters.

Q: Which areas witnessed violence and disruptions? A: The main trouble zones were Vizianagaram district in Andhra Pradesh where clashes caused injuries, and North 24 Parganas in West Bengal where 3 polling personnel tragically lost their lives.

Q: What did the international observer groups say? A: They expressed concerns over the incidents of violence and intimidation, urging all parties to respect the electoral verdict and follow legal remedies for any grievances.

Q: When will the final results be announced? A: Counting of EVM votes will take place on May 23rd, after which the winners of the 543 Lok Sabha seats will be declared over the subsequent days.

Q: What are the key priorities for the new government? A: Addressing incidents of violence and ensuring integrity of polls is an urgent task. Reaffirming commitment to constitutional democracy and respecting the people’s mandate is crucial.

Also read our latest blog: Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Your guide to Phase 4 voting tomorrow — From vote timings to weather forecast