Polling in the fifth phase of General Elections recorded an approximate voter turnout of 60.09 % as of 11:30 pm. Voters came out in large numbers braving hot weather in many parts of the states that went for polls today. Polling in Baramulla in Jammu and Kashmir was completely peaceful with a turnout of 56.73% as on 11:30 pm, and was the highest recorded in 35 years. 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 Shri Rajiv Kumar along with ECs Shri Gyanesh Kumar and Shri 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 (11:30 PM)
| S.No. | State/UT | No. PCs | Approximate Voter Turnout(%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Bihar | 5 | 54.85 |
| 2. | Jammu and Kashmir | 1 | 56.73 |
| 3. | Jharkhand | 3 | 63.07 |
| 4. | Ladakh | 1 | 69.62 |
| 5. | Maharashtra | 13 | 54.29 |
| 6. | Odissa | 5 | 67.59 |
| 7. | Uttar Pradesh | 14 | 57.79 |
| 8. | West Bengal | 7 | 74.65 |
| Above 8 States/UTs | 49 | 60.09 |
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.
The next phase (phase 6) polling is scheduled on May 25, 2024 in 58 PCs (including the adjourned poll in Anantnag-Rajouri PC) in 8 States/UTs.
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