As India, the world's largest democracy, braces itself for the monumental task of conducting the general elections across 533 Lok Sabha constituencies in 2024, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar has revealed significant statistics shedding light on the magnitude of the electoral process.
In a statement made on Saturday, CEC Rajiv Kumar disclosed that a staggering 96.8 crore voters will be eligible to cast their votes in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, along with the assembly elections in 4 states and bypolls. This vast electorate reflects the diverse and vibrant democracy that India proudly embodies.
Breaking down the demographics, Kumar stated that approximately 49.7 crore voters identify as male, while 47.1 crore voters are female. This nearly equal distribution highlights the inclusive nature of India's electoral system, ensuring representation across gender lines.
Of notable significance is the presence of 1.8 crore first-time voters, representing the youth's active participation in shaping the country's future. Additionally, there are 19.47 crore voters falling within the age bracket of 20-29 years, indicating a significant portion of the electorate comprising young voices.
Inclusivity In Voters
In a testament to inclusivity, Kumar revealed that 88.4 lakh voters belong to the Persons with Disabilities (PwD) category, emphasising the electoral system's commitment to ensuring access for all citizens. Furthermore, there are 2.18 lakh centenarians and 48,000 transgender individuals registered to exercise their democratic rights.
Addressing the significance of each election, Kumar emphasised that every electoral exercise presents a new test, with failure deemed unacceptable. This underscores the paramount importance of conducting free, fair, and transparent elections, upholding the democratic principles upon which India's governance is founded.
Infrastructure And Manpower
To facilitate the smooth conduct of the elections, an extensive infrastructure and manpower deployment are underway. A network of 10.5 lakh polling stations will be established across the country, supported by approximately 1.5 crore polling officials and security personnel.
Furthermore, a massive fleet of 55 lakh Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and nearly 4 lakh vehicles will be mobilised to ensure the logistical requirements of the electoral process are met efficiently.
The electoral landscape also includes the engagement of approximately 800 district magistrates in proactive interaction, addressing any emerging challenges and ensuring seamless conduct.
Moreover, a comprehensive oversight mechanism has been implemented, with 2100 observers deployed to monitor the electoral process, reaffirming the commitment to transparency and accountability.
As India prepares to embark on this democratic journey, the world watches with anticipation, witnessing the vibrant spirit of democracy in action across the length and breadth of the nation.