Polling in third phase of General Elections recorded an approximate voter turnout of 64.4%, as of 11:40 pm Tuesday, as per the data released by the Election Commission of India close to the midnight. The trend of lower turnout witnessed in the first two phases has thus continued in this round too.
Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Assam, West Bengal, Bihar, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Goa and Chhattisgarh were the states/UTs where polling took place in this phase. A total of 1,331 candidates were in the electoral fray in this phase.
Voting in the Anantnag-Rajouri PC in Jammu and Kashmir was rescheduled to Phase-6. Also, Surat PC in Gujarat did not go to polls as the candidate was elected unopposed.
The next phase (phase 4) polling is scheduled on May 13, 2024 in 96 PCs in 10 States/UTs.
According to the mid-night data, the state/UT-wise polling figures are:
Assam: 81.61
Bihar: 58.18
Chhattisgarh: 71.06
Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu: 69.87
Goa: 75.20
Gujarat: 58.98
Karnataka: 70.41
Madhya Pradesh: 66.05
Maharashtra: 61.44
Uttar Pradesh: 57.34
West Bengal: 75.79
On Tuesday, polling commenced at 7 am simultaneously across 93 PCs, and voters were seen in the queue at many polling stations as the closing time of 6 pm approached.
Voters participated enthusiastically to cast their vote at their polling stations, braving hot weather conditions in some areas. Starting with this phase, ECI has commenced a system of SMS alerts, WhatsApp messages, and voice calls from national and state icons, with support from major Telecom Service Providers to encourage voter participation. With the conclusion of Phase-3, polling is now over in 20 States/UTs and 283 PCs for General Elections 2024.
Smooth and peaceful conduct of elections
The polling was held smoothly and peacefully in all states/UTs across the three phases which covered the entire north-eastern part of the country, LWE-affected and vulnerable areas in Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh.
The ECI led by CEC Rajiv Kumar along with ECs Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu kept a regular close watch on each and every aspect of the poll process. Stringent security measures were in place creating a conducive environment for voters to cast their vote without fear or intimidation.
Showcasing India's Democracy to the world
In Phase 3, 75 international delegates from 23 countries visited many polling stations in six states to witness the poll process. The delegates also witnessed the process of dispatch of polling materials and machines to the polling teams and were appreciative of the magnitude, transparency and most importantly the festive mood of voters.
Special arrangements were made to mitigate the effects of hot weather conditions including the provision of shamiyana, drinking water, medical kits, fans for convenience of voters. The Commission had made special efforts to facilitate voting amongst the tribal groups with polling stations decorated in tribal culture and local themes. Women tribal voters came out along with children to cast their vote at polling stations. In Chhattisgarh, five generations of a family voted together at a polling station in Sarguja PC in Chhattisgarh.
