Lok Sabha Elections 2024: ECI releases absolute polling numbers for five phases
Lok Sabha Elections 2024: The Election Commission of India (ECI) released absolute voter turnout numbers for the first five phases of the ongoing Lok Sabha elections, emphasising that polling data has always been available to both candidates and the general public.
The Commission stated that there was no delay in the release of voter turnout data, which was always available 24x7 on the Voter Turnout App beginning at 9:30 a.m. on the poll day of each phase.
The development comes a day after the Supreme Court declined to provide directions to the poll body on an NGO's request to upload polling booth-specific voter turnout data on its website during the Lok Sabha elections, preferring a "hands-off attitude" amidst an ongoing electoral process.
The poll panel had opposed the NGO's demand, claiming that it would "vitiate" the electoral space and create "chaos" in the poll machinery during the general elections.
"The Commission feels duly strengthened by the Hon'ble Supreme Court's observations and verdict on the process of release of turnout data by the Election Commission of India," the electoral body stated.
The ECI emphasised that any changes to the number of votes cast are not possible due to the rigorous, transparent, and participative process involved.
“Agents of candidates are always allowed to accompany EVM and statutory papers, including form 17 C from polling station till storage in a strong room as per Rule 49 V (2) of the Conduct of Election Rules 1961,” the ECI stated.
- PTC NEWS
