Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar addressed a press conference on June 3, 2024, highlighting the incredible voter turnout in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections. He emphasized the significance of the elections, stating that India recorded the highest voter turnout in the world, with a historic 642 million voters participating. This turnout exceeded the voters of all G7 countries combined and was 2.5 times the voters of 27 countries in the European Union. Rajiv Kumar commended the 312 million women voters who took part in the elections, emphasizing the Election Commission of India’s commitment to inclusive elections.
CEC Kumar also praised voters aged 85 and above for their inspirational participation, referring to them as the heroes of democracy. He acknowledged their contributions to shaping the country over the past 70 years. Additionally, he mentioned the meticulous work of election personnel that resulted in fewer repolls compared to previous elections, showcasing the efficiency of the electoral process.
Furthermore, Rajiv Kumar expressed gratitude to the people of Jammu and Kashmir for their faith in the electoral process, noting that the state witnessed the highest voter turnout in the last 4 decades. He highlighted the success in addressing impediments such as muscle, money, misinformation, and MCC violations, ensuring free, fair, and transparent elections. The CEC lauded the unprecedented efforts of the local teams in conducting the elections effectively.
Regarding the counting process, Kumar assured that it would be robust, precise, and transparent. He mentioned that the entire process leading up to the declaration of results on June 4 was meticulously planned and executed. With exit polls predicting a dominant victory for the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance in the elections, Rajiv Kumar emphasized the peaceful conduct of the polls without any incidents of violence.
In conclusion, the Chief Election Commissioner highlighted the Election Commission’s record seizure of nearly Rs 10,000 crores during the elections, signifying a significant increase from previous years. The press conference, attended by ECs Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, provided insights into the massive turnout, the integrity of the electoral process, and the comprehensive preparations that culminated in a successful election outcome.