Surge in voter turnout in Indian multi-phase polls
Indian Congress Party President Sonia Gandhi (R) gestures as she greets supporters before filing her nomination papers for the forthcoming general election at a district court in Rae Bareilly on April 2, 2014. Turnout in India’s multi-phase election is so far almost eight per cent points higher than last time, data showed Wednesday, reflecting enthusiasm for polls expected to bring the opposition Hindu nationalists to power. AFP/PHOTO
What you need to know:
- The electoral rolls have swelled by 100 million since 2009 due to India’s growing population.
Turnout in India’s multi-phase election is so far almost eight per cent points higher than last time, data showed Wednesday, reflecting enthusiasm for polls expected to bring the opposition Hindu nationalists to power.
Polling in five of the ten phases has been completed, with the biggest day of voting set for Thursday. The last ballots will be cast on May 12 and final counting is scheduled for May 16.
“The aggregation of figures from these 111 seats gives a 2014 polling percentage of 68.29, almost 8 percentage points higher from 60.39 per cent for the same seats in 2009,” Akshay Rout, director-general of the national election commission, told reporters.
The electoral rolls have swelled by 100 million since 2009 due to India’s growing population.
Officials attributed the significant surge in voter turnout to a variety of factors, including increased awareness about the election.
“One reason could be a significant increase in polling hours, which are almost 11 hours at several places. Besides, we have also carried out massive publicity and awareness campaign, particularly targeting the youth across the country,” Rout said.
