Lagatar24 Desk
Ranchi: The Election Commission of India has expressed immense satisfaction over the increased voter participation in the Jharkhand Assembly Elections. Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar lauded the courage and determination of voters in extremist-affected areas who defied threats and boycott calls to reaffirm their faith in democracy. Women voters outnumbered men in several constituencies, showcasing their enthusiastic participation.
Acknowledging the Dedication of Election Officials
The commission extended heartfelt gratitude to polling officials for their dedication, ensuring that every voter, even in the remotest locations, could exercise their franchise. Meticulous planning under the guidance of Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar, coupled with security provided by paramilitary and police forces, facilitated incident-free polling in insurgency-hit areas like Budha Pahad and Saranda. Notably, none of the 29,563 polling stations reported re-polling.
Record-Breaking Seizures and Transparency
The commission’s emphasis on a free and fair election was evident in its stringent measures to curb inducements such as cash and liquor. These efforts resulted in seizures exceeding ₹200 crore, more than 12 times the amount confiscated during the 2019 elections. Regular monitoring through webcasting and integrated check posts ensured effective control over illicit activities.
Inclusive Voting Initiatives
Special provisions were made to ensure inclusivity, such as the establishment of a dedicated polling station for 57 leprosy-affected voters in Jamtara, which witnessed 100% turnout. Additionally, nearly 1.8 lakh personnel and differently-abled voters exercised their rights through postal ballots.
Highest Turnout in State’s History
For the first time, voter turnout in Jharkhand reached record levels, with women surpassing men in 75 out of 81 constituencies. Nala constituency recorded the highest turnout at 80.56%. The commission attributed this achievement to targeted voter awareness campaigns, including the use of cricket icon MS Dhoni as a brand ambassador, promoting family voting and swift polling processes.
Smooth Voting Experience
Under the Election Commission’s guidance, all polling stations were equipped with minimum assured facilities to provide a pleasant voting experience. Special theme-based booths, women-managed booths, and youth-managed booths added vibrancy to the democratic exercise.
Counting Day Preparations
Counting will begin at 8 AM on November 23, with results expected by 9:15 AM. Comprehensive arrangements have been made to ensure transparency, including the deployment of counting supervisors and video monitoring of the process. Strong room security has been fortified, ensuring the integrity of the stored EVMs.
