New Delhi [India], May 25 (ANI): The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Saturday released figures for all five completed phases of the ongoing Lok Sabha elections and asserted that "nobody can change the data of votes polled."
The poll body, "strengthened" by Supreme Court's decision, said it has "decided to further expand the format of release of turnout data to include the absolute number of voters in every parliamentary constituency, which of course is discernable Parliamentary Constituency wise by all citizens themselves by applying the turnout percentage to total electors, both already made available in public domain."
"The Commission feels duly strengthened by the Supreme Court's observations and verdict on the process of release of turnout data by the Election Commission of India. This brings upon the Commission, a higher responsibility to serve the cause of electoral democracy with undeterred resolution," it added.
The poll body further asserted that the voter turnout data was always available with candidates on its Voter Turnout app, the poll body said there is a "pattern of false narratives and mischievous design to vitiate electoral process".
"The process of collection and storage of votes polled is rigorous, transparent and participative. The Commission and its officials across the states have been disseminating voter turnout data in the best possible manner, taking into account statutory considerations. The whole exercise of release of turnout data from the date of commencement of polls on 19th April 2024 has been accurate, consistent and in accordance with election laws and without any discrepancy whatsoever. The Commission has informed in public domain and also to individual political parties the detailed process of recording and release of turnout data and the manner of custody and usages of form 17C," it added.
As many as 166.3 million citizens cast their vote in the first phase of the Lok Sabha polls. Around 66.14 per cent voter turnout was recorded in India in the first phase.
In the second phase as many as 158.64 million voters cast their vote in the second phase of the Lok Sabha elections 2024 on April 26. Around 66.71 per cent voter turnout was recorded.
Around 172.4 million voters cast their vote in the third phase of the Lok Sabha elections 2024 on May 7. Around 65.68 per cent voter turnout was recorded in India in the third phase.
Around 177.07 million voters cast their vote in the fourth phase of the Lok Sabha elections 2024 on May 13. Around 69.16 per cent voter turnout was recorded in India in the fourth phase.
As many as 89.56 million voters cast their vote in the fifth phase of the Lok Sabha elections 2024 on May 20. Around 62.20 per cent voter turnout was recorded in India in the fifth phase.
The election for 543 Lok Sabha seats will be held in seven phases starting April 19. The counting of the votes will be held on June 4. (ANI)
