Polling in the fifth phase of General Elections 2024 which commenced at 7 am on Monday simultaneously across 49 PCs recorded an approximate voter turnout of 57.47% as of 7:45 pm.

Voters came out in large numbers braving hot weather in many parts of the states that went for polls on Monday. Polling was closed at 6 PM, but a large number of voters were still in the queue at polling stations. Polling in Baramulla in Jammu and Kashmir was completely peaceful with a turnout of 54.49% as on 7.45 pm, and was the highest recorded in 35 years, the Election Commission of India (ECI) said in a statement.

Bihar, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal, are the States/UTs that went to polls in this phase. A total of 695 candidates were in the electoral fray.

Polling across all constituencies was held smoothly and peacefully. The Commission led by CEC Rajiv Kumar along with ECs Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu kept a close watch on each and every aspect of the poll process and issued necessary directions, during the day. Stringent security measures were in place creating a conducive environment for voters to cast their vote without fear or intimidation. The weather was largely normal except hot conditions in isolated pockets

State-Wise Approximate Voter Turnout in Phase 5 (7:45 PM)
State/UT // Number of PCs // Approx Voter Turnout %
1 Bihar : 05 : 52.60
2 Jammu and Kashmir : 01 : 54.49
3 Jharkhand : 03 : 63.00
4 Ladakh : 01 : 67.15
5 Maharashtra : 13 : 48.88
6 Odisha : 05 : 60.72
7 Uttar Pradesh : 14 : 57.79
8 West Bengal : 07 : 73.00
All 8 States/UTs : 49 PCs: 57.47

As per the laid down procedure, scrutiny of election papers takes place one day after the polling day in the presence of Candidates or their authorised polling agents. The decision to conduct a repoll, if any, is also taken thereafter. Some polling parties return after polling day depending on the geographical/ logistical conditions. TheCommission will also, after the scrutiny and depending on the number/ schedule of repoll, publish the updated voter turnout along with gender wise breakup by May 24.

PCs in various urban cities like Mumbai, Thane, Nashik & Lucknow continued the trend of urban apathy as noticed in last GE 2019. In Mumbai, celebrities and common citizens alike, waited patiently for their turn to cast their vote and proudly showcased their inked fingers. Celebrities from various walks of life have partnered with the Commission to motivate voters to exercise their franchise in the General Elections 2024. Various such motivational videos were uploaded on their social media platforms.

With the conclusion of phase 5, polling for General Elections 2024 is now completed in 25 States/UTs and 428 PCs.

Polling is also complete in General Elections for State Legislative Assemblies of Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Andhra Pradesh and 63 assembly seats of Odisha State Assembly.

The next phase (phase 6) polling is scheduled on May 25 in 58 PCs (including the adjourned poll in Anantnag-Rajouri PC) in 8 States/UTs.