PIB Summary- 20th April, 2024 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

High turnout in Phase 1 of Lok Sabha Elections 2024 despite heat wave.

Context

The news highlights the successful and largely peaceful conduct of the first phase of General Elections 2024 across 21 States/UTs in India.

Additional information on this news:

• The first phase of General Elections 2024 witnessed high voter turnout across 21 States/UTs, despite a heat wave.
• Polling was completed for 10 States/UTs, including most of the North East region.
• Notably, 56 villages in Bastar and the Shompen tribe of Great Nicobar voted for the first time.
• A large number of first-time voters participated enthusiastically in the electoral process.
• The overall voter turnout across the reported States/UTs exceeded 60% by 7 PM, with final figures expected to rise.
• The Election Commission, led by CEC Shri Rajiv Kumar and ECs Shri Gyanesh Kumar and Shri Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, closely monitored the polling process from ECI Headquarters in Nirvachan Sadan.
• State-of-the-art control rooms were set up at both national and state/district levels to oversee the progress of polling.
• The polling stations witnessed a vibrant display of democracy, with voters from diverse backgrounds converging to exercise their franchise.
• The polling process was seamless and meticulously planned, reflecting the efforts of the Election Commission and its officials in ensuring a conducive environment for elections.

Steps taken by Election Commission for free and fair elections:

• Electoral Roll Verification: The Election Commission (EC) conducts periodic verification drives to ensure the accuracy and integrity of the electoral roll, removing duplicate entries and deceased voters.
• Voter Education and Awareness: EC conducts voter education campaigns to inform citizens about their voting rights, registration procedures, and electoral processes, promoting voter turnout and participation. They also run campaigns (Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation – SVEEP) to educate voters about their rights and the process.
• Voter Registration: EC facilitates voter registration through online portals, voter registration centres, and mobile apps, enabling eligible citizens to enrol or update their voter details.
• Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs): EC employs EVMs for polling, ensuring accuracy, transparency, and efficiency in the voting process, with stringent security measures to prevent tampering or manipulation.
• Model Code of Conduct (MCC): EC enforces the MCC to regulate the conduct of political parties and candidates during elections, ensuring fair play, ethical campaigning, and adherence to electoral norms.
• Security Measures: EC collaborates with law enforcement agencies to deploy security personnel, ensure law and order, and prevent electoral malpractices such as booth capturing, voter intimidation, and electoral violence.
• Media Monitoring: EC monitors media coverage of elections to prevent biased reporting, misinformation, and propaganda, ensuring a level playing field for all political parties and candidates.
• Observers and Monitoring: EC appoints election observers to oversee the electoral process, monitor polling stations, and report any irregularities or violations of electoral rules.
• Complaint Mechanism: EC provides avenues through it’s Suvidha portal for citizens to lodge complaints regarding electoral malpractices, violations of the MCC, or issues related to voter registration, ensuring timely redressal and accountability.