The Election Commission of India has made comprehensive arrangements for the smooth conduct of Phase 4 of the General Elections 2024, scheduled for tomorrow, May 13th.
In this phase, polling will take place for 96 Parliamentary Constituencies across 10 States and Union Territories, alongside elections for all 175 seats of the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly and 28 seats of the Odisha Legislative Assembly.
Weather Conditions:
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast, there are no significant concerns regarding hot weather conditions for the polling in Phase 4. The Parliamentary Constituencies going for polls are likely to experience normal to below normal temperatures (±2 degrees), and there will be no heat wave-like conditions in these areas on the polling day. However, as a convenience for voters, meticulous arrangements have been made at all polling stations, including facilities like water, shamianas (temporary sheds), and fans.
Voter Facilitation:
Over 19 lakh polling officials will welcome over 17.7 crore voters across 1.92 lakh polling stations. Voter Information Slips have been distributed to all registered voters, serving as an invitation from the Commission to exercise their franchise. Voters can also check their polling station details and poll date through the Commission’s website (https://electoralsearch.eci.gov.in/).
Voter Convenience:
Assured Minimum Facilities like water, sheds, toilets, ramps, volunteers, wheelchairs, and electricity have been arranged to ensure that every voter, including the elderly and persons with disabilities, can cast their vote with ease. Additionally, over 12.49 lakh registered voters aged 85 and above, and 19.99 lakh voters with disabilities have been provided the option to vote from the comfort of their homes through the optional Home Voting facility.
Strict Surveillance:
The Election Commission has deployed 364 Observers, including General Observers, Police Observers, and Expenditure Observers, who will serve as the Commission’s eyes and ears to exercise utmost vigilance. Additionally, Special Observers have been deployed in certain states. A total of 4,661 Flying Squads, 4,438 Static Surveillance Teams, 1,710 Video Surveillance Teams, and 934 Video Viewing Teams are keeping round-the-clock surveillance to deal with any form of inducement of voters strictly and swiftly.
Border Check Posts:
A total of 1,016 inter-state and 121 international Border check posts are keeping strict vigil on any illicit flow of liquor, drugs, cash, and freebies. Strict surveillance has been kept at sea and air routes as well.
Polling Time:
Voting begins at 7 AM and ends at 6 PM, with the closure of poll timings varying across Parliamentary Constituencies. However, the polling time in certain assembly segments of 17 Parliamentary Constituencies of Telangana has been increased by the Commission (from 7 AM till 6 PM) to increase voter participation.
The Election Commission has reiterated its commitment to conducting free, fair, and peaceful elections, ensuring that every eligible voter can exercise their democratic right without any hindrances.
