Voting in the third phase of the Lok Sabha elections concluded on Tuesday across 93 Lok Sabha constituencies covering 10 states and two union territories. According to data from the Election Commission, the third phase recorded a voter participation rate of 64.4 percent, which is the lowest compared to the first two phases (66.14 percent and 66.71 percent, respectively). While Assam recorded the highest voter turnout, Uttar Pradesh witnessed the lowest voter turnout.
The Lok Sabha elections are being held in seven phases – with the first three phases concluding on April 19, April 26 and May 7. The fourth phase will be held on May 13, the fifth phase on May 20, and the sixth phase in May. 25, and the seventh stage on June 1. The results for all Lok Sabha seats will be announced on June 4.
Here are the key points from the third phase of Lok Sabha polls:
- According to Election Commission data updated on Tuesday evening, Assam, in the third phase of voting for the Lok Sabha elections, recorded a voter turnout of 81.61 per cent, followed by West Bengal at 75.79 per cent, Goa at 75.20 per cent, and Chhattisgarh. At 71.06 percent, Karnataka at 70.41 percent, Maharashtra at 66.05 percent, Madhya Pradesh at 66.05 percent, Gujarat at 58.98 percent, Bihar at 58.18 percent, and the lowest is in Uttar Pradesh at 57.34 percent.
- In a statement, the Election Commission said that the third phase of polling took place smoothly and peacefully in all states and union territories, including Naxal-affected areas of Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh.
- The EC ordered re-polling at a polling station in Barmer, Rajasthan, on Wednesday due to a violation of the secrecy of the vote. Four members of the poll party were also suspended in this case.
- According to the European Commission, at least 75 international delegates from 23 countries visited several polling stations in six states during the voting process. “The delegates witnessed the process of sending voting materials and machines to the polling teams and expressed their appreciation for the scale of this process, the transparency and, most importantly, the festive mood of the voters,” the European Commission said.
- A total of 1,331 candidates are competing in the third phase of the elections, including 120 women. The leading candidates included prominent figures like Union Ministers Amit Shah, Jyotiraditya Scindia, Mansukh Mandaviya, Parshottam Rupala, Pralhad Joshi and SP Singh Baghel. Former Madhya Pradesh chief ministers Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Digvijaya Singh also contested the elections in Madhya Pradesh, while several members of Mulayam Singh Yadav’s family also contested in Uttar Pradesh.
- Many officials across the country have come up with innovative offers to entice voters and urge them to exercise their right to vote. The Shimoga Zilla Panchayat in Karnataka had a polling booth with majestic thrones reserved for voters. Meanwhile, owners of an ice cream shop in Dharwad Hubballi city provided free ice cream to voters.
- Meanwhile, food shops in Madhya Pradesh’s Indore offered free poha, jalebis and ice cream to those who cast their votes in the first hours of polling. In Maharashtra, many food establishments have offered discounts to customers who have ink marks on their fingers.
(With inputs from PTI)
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