As the voting commences in the fourth phase on Monday, the meteorological prediction, as per the Election Commission of India, suggests the absence of scorching heat conditions in the 96 electoral regions spanning nine states and one union territory participating in today’s ballot.
“In accordance with the IMD forecast, there exists no notable apprehension concerning elevated temperatures for the polling process in phase 4. The meteorological prognosis indicates that the Parliamentary Constituencies engaged in polling are anticipated to encounter standard to substandard temperatures (±2 degrees) with the absence of heat wave-like circumstances in these vicinities on the polling day. Nevertheless, for the convenience of electors, comprehensive arrangements have been established at all voting booths, encompassing amenities such as water provisions, sheltered seating, and cooling devices,” articulated the ECI in a declaration on Sunday.
A total of 1717 contenders hailing from 10 States and UTs are vying for electoral victory today. The mean count of competing candidates in a PC for the 4th Phase stands at 18. Among the notable contenders in the electoral race are Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav (Kannauj, UP), Union ministers Giriraj Singh (Begusarai, Bihar) and Nityanand Rai (Ujiarpur, Bihar), Congress luminary Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury (Baharampur, WB), BJP’s Pankaja Munde (Beed, Maharashtra), AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi (Hyderabad, Telangana), and Andhra Pradesh Congress president YS Sharmila (Kadapa).
The Election Commission has upgraded its turnout application post-phase 3, incorporating the overall estimated voter turnout. “Since phase 3, the voter turnout App has been enriched with a novel feature, displaying the overall approximate turnout in real-time for each phase. It is noteworthy that the data on approximate turnout categorized by phase/state/assembly constituency/parliamentary constituency is available on the voter turnout App live, on a bi-hourly basis throughout the polling day until 7 pm, following which it is continuously revised upon the arrival of polling teams,” delineated the ECI statement.
Regarding voter amenities, the Commission affirmed that water facilities, shelter, lavatories, access ramps, volunteer assistance, mobility aids, and electrical provisions are in place to ensure a seamless voting experience for every elector, including the elderly and individuals with disabilities. “Voter Information Slips have been disseminated to all registered electors. These slips serve as a facilitative measure and also as an entreaty from the Commission to partake in the voting process,” it stated.
An estimated 17.70 crore voters, inclusive of 8.97 crore male and 8.73 crore female voters, are anticipated to exercise their electoral rights today. Additionally, there are over 12.49 lakh registered voters aged 85 and above, and 19.99 lakh voters with disabilities for phase 4, who have been granted the option to cast their ballots from the comfort of their residences. “364 Observers (126 General Observers, 70 Police Observers, 168 Expenditure Observers) for phase 4 of General Elections 2024 have already been dispatched to their respective Constituencies in advance of the polls. They serve as the vigilant overseers of the Commission, ensuring utmost scrutiny. Moreover, Special Observers have been deployed in select states,” elucidated the ECI.