Haryana Assembly Elections: 61.19% Voter Turnout Recorded Amidst Record Seizures.

Chandigarh:

The single-phase polling for Haryana’s 90 Assembly constituencies concluded peacefully today, with a voter turnout of 61.19% reported by 7 PM. Over 20,000 polling stations were established across the state, and the electoral process saw participation from a diverse range of voters, including many elderly citizens, some of whom were over 100 years old.

A total of 1,031 candidates contested in this election, including 101 women. The voting commenced at 7 AM, with queues forming early as citizens exercised their democratic rights.

The Election Commission (EC) implemented strict measures to ensure a fair electoral process, resulting in seizures worth Rs. 75.72 crores, a four-fold increase from the 2019 elections. Notable seizures included Rs. 31.5 crore in cash, Rs. 16.6 crore in liquor, and Rs. 11.13 crore in drugs. The top districts for seizures were Ambala, Faridabad, and Gurugram.

In a significant first, home voting was made available for voters aged over 85 and those with disabilities, with nearly 9,000 elderly voters taking advantage of this facility.

The EC also introduced the Suvidha app to streamline campaign permissions, granting over 8,300 approvals since the election announcement. Additionally, the cVIGIL app enabled citizens to report electoral malpractices, yielding over 29,000 complaints with a 99% resolution rate.

Polling stations were equipped with assured minimum facilities to enhance voter experience, including water, electricity, and accessibility features. Special initiatives were taken to engage youth and promote gender inclusivity, with several polling stations managed entirely by women and individuals with disabilities.

The final voter turnout figures will continue to be updated, and vote counting for both Haryana and Jammu & Kashmir Assembly Elections is set for October 8, 2024.