📷 Image Credits: The Hindu
A historic moment unfolded in India as Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar announced that the country had created a world record in the Lok Sabha elections with an astounding 64.2 crore voters, including 31.2 crore women, participating in the electoral process. This milestone marked a significant achievement in the world of democracy, showcasing the active engagement of the Indian population in shaping the country’s future.
Addressing a press briefing, Mr. Kumar highlighted the massive scale of the elections, involving over 68,000 monitoring teams and 1.5 crore polling and security personnel. The extent of voter turnout not only reflected the democratic spirit of the nation but also set a new benchmark for global electoral exercises.
Mr. Kumar expressed gratitude to the voters, giving them a standing ovation and acknowledging their faith in the electoral process. He applauded the people of Jammu and Kashmir for recording the highest turnout in four decades, underscoring the significance of their participation.
The meticulous efforts of election personnel were recognized for their effectiveness in minimizing repolls, with only 39 repolls in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections compared to 540 in 2019. The CEC emphasized the importance of addressing obstacles like muscle power, money, misinformation, and MCC violations to ensure free, fair, and transparent elections.
In response to allegations made by Congress leader Jairam Ramesh regarding alleged phone calls from Home Minister Amit Shah to District Magistrates, Mr. Kumar denounced spreading rumors and casting doubt on the electoral process. He challenged the accuser to provide evidence of any wrongdoing, reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to upholding the integrity of the election process.
The global delegation of 75 observers from 23 countries marveled at India’s electoral excellence, commending the unparalleled scale, meticulous planning, and integrity demonstrated throughout the electoral exercise. The 2024 Lok Sabha elections not only reaffirmed India’s commitment to democracy but also showcased the country’s leadership in organizing a successful and equitable electoral process.