Election Commission ready for final phase of Lok Sabha elections tomorrow

New Delhi, May 31: The Election Commission of India is all set for Phase 7 of the Lok Sabha elections tomorrow, marking the final stage of the polling process.

Voters in 57 Parliamentary Constituencies across eight states and union territories, including Bihar, Chandigarh, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal, will cast their votes. Additionally, the remaining 42 Assembly Constituencies of the Odisha State Legislative Assembly will hold simultaneous elections.

This phase concludes the world's largest democratic exercise, which began on April 19 and has successfully covered six phases and 486 Lok Sabha seats. Polling has been completed peacefully across 28 states and union territories. The counting of votes is scheduled for June 4, the Election Commission said.

Polling teams have been dispatched with the necessary machines and materials to their respective stations, which are equipped with basic amenities such as shade, drinking water, ramps, and toilets to ensure a comfortable voting experience. State officials have been instructed to manage the effects of hot weather or rainfall as predicted.

Despite the challenging weather conditions, voter turnout has been robust in the previous phases, with female voter participation surpassing male turnout in the last two phases. The Election Commission encourages voters to come out in large numbers and cast their votes responsibly and proudly.

On June 1, 2024, voting for Phase-7 will commence at 7 AM in 57 Parliamentary Constituencies (41 General, 3 ST, 13 SC) across eight states and union territories. Concurrently, 42 Assembly Constituencies (27 General, 6 ST, 9 SC) in the Odisha Legislative Assembly will also hold elections.

Approximately 1.09 lakh polling officials will facilitate voting for over 10.06 crore electors at around 1.09 lakh polling stations. These electors include approximately 5.24 crore males, 4.82 crore females, and 3,574 third-gender voters. An optional home voting facility is available for voters aged 85 and above, as well as for persons with disabilities.

Special trains and eight helicopter sorties have been arranged to transport polling and security personnel, particularly in Himachal Pradesh. A total of 172 observers (64 General, 32 Police, and 76 Expenditure Observers) are in place to ensure vigilance. Additionally, special observers have been deployed in certain states.

To monitor and curb any voter inducements, 2,707 Flying Squads, 2,799 Static Surveillance Teams, 1,080 Surveillance Teams, and 560 Video Viewing Teams are on round-the-clock duty. Furthermore, 201 international border check posts and 906 inter-state border check posts are maintaining strict surveillance to prevent the illicit flow of liquor, drugs, cash, and freebies. Surveillance is also in effect at sea and air routes.

Voter Information Slips have been distributed to all registered voters as a facilitation measure and an invitation to vote, though these slips are not essential for voting. The Commission has provided 12 alternative identification documents in addition to the Voter ID card (EPIC) for identity verification at polling stations.