Over 39% of Chennai Polling Booths to be Staffed Exclusively by Women in 2024 Lok Sabha Elections

In a significant step towards greater gender representation in the electoral process, over 39% of polling booths in Chennai's three parliamentary constituencies will be manned exclusively by women during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. According to Chennai District Election Officer J. Radhakrishnan, 1,461 out of 3,726 polling stations will be staffed by all-women teams.

Radhakrishnan also noted that around 57% of the total polling personnel are women. The Election Commission has launched 16 all-women 'pink' polling booths in Chennai, which will be completely handled by women officials, including the police force. These special booths are intended to provide a comfortable voting experience for women who are pregnant, aged, or have children, with arrangements like play areas and rest zones.

One of the polling officers will be M Radha, a 56-year-old transwoman who had contested in the previous Lok Sabha polls as an independent. "It is an honor not just for me, but for the entire transgender community," Radha expressed, noting that the assignment comes with new learning and recognition, and has helped in creating a positive impact on the overall public perception towards the trans community.

The Mylapore Assembly segment has the most all-women polling stations with 187, followed by other constituencies. 65% of the polling booths in Chennai will be under surveillance, with webcasting from 2,600 booths. Voters with disabilities can avail free pick-up and drop facilities arranged by the Election Commission in association with Uber, or use the transport facilities provided by the Chennai corporation through the Saksham mobile app.

Why this matters: This move is a significant step towards empowering women and ensuring their greater participation in the democratic process. It also sets a positive example for other districts and states to follow in promoting gender equality in elections.

Radhakrishnan addressed concerns about missing names from the electoral roll, stating that the issues will be rectified after the elections. He also mentioned that there were some delays due to machine glitches, but they have been fixed, and polling is now proceeding smoothly. The district election officer urged all voters, including those with disabilities, to come forward and exercise their franchise, as Chennai's voter turnout was lower than the national average in the previous elections.

Key Takeaways

• Over 39% of polling booths in Chennai will be staffed by all-women teams for 2024 LS elections.
• 16 all-women 'pink' polling booths in Chennai to provide comfortable voting for women, elderly, and pregnant.
• A transwoman, M Radha, will lead poll teams in Velachery zone, a milestone for the trans community.
• 65% of Chennai's polling booths will have webcasting, and voters with disabilities can avail free transport.
• This move aims to empower women and promote gender equality in the electoral process.