18th Lok Sabha Elections Phase 1 Sees 65.4% Voter Turnout Amid Ethnic Strife in Manipur

The first phase of the 18th Lok Sabha elections in India concluded on April 19, 2024, with a voter turnout of 65.4%, lower than the 70% recorded in the 2019 general elections. Polling was completed in 10 states and union territories, including Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand, and the northeastern states.

Manipur saw a significant 10% drop in voter turnout compared to the previous elections, with the Inner Manipur constituency recording a turnout of 72.32% and the Outer Manipur constituency seeing a turnout of 61.98%. The lower turnout was attributed to ongoing ethnic strife in the state. Incidents of altercations between locals and unidentified miscreants were reported in the Thongju assembly constituency.

In contrast, Assam and Chhattisgarh recorded higher voter turnouts compared to the 2019 elections. Tripura led the turnout with 81.62%, followed by West Bengal at 77.57%, Meghalaya at 74.21%, Puducherry at 73.50%, and Assam at 72.10%.

Why this matters: The Lok Sabha elections are a vital democratic exercise in India, determining the composition of the lower house of Parliament and the formation of the central government. The voter turnout and trends in various states provide insights into the political landscape and the issues influencing voters' choices.

The Election Commission stated that polling was largely peaceful, with some sporadic incidents of violence reported in West Bengal and Manipur. Technical glitches with Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) were also reported in several states, leading to delays in the voting process.

Notable candidates in the first phase include Union ministers Nitin Gadkari and Sarbananda Sonowal, Congress's Gaurav Gogoi, and DMK's Kanimozhi. The National Democratic Alliance under Prime Minister Modi is seeking a stronger majority, while the opposition INDIA bloc is hoping for a rebound after facing reverses in the 2014 and 2019 elections.

The seven-phase Lok Sabha elections will conclude on June 1, and the counting of votes will take place on June 4. The preparations for the second phase of the elections, scheduled for April 26, have already begun.

Key Takeaways

• First phase of 2024 Lok Sabha elections concluded on April 19 with 65.4% voter turnout.
• Manipur saw 10% drop in turnout due to ethnic strife, while Assam and Chhattisgarh saw higher turnout.
• Tripura led with 81.62% turnout, followed by West Bengal, Meghalaya, Puducherry, and Assam.
• Polling was largely peaceful, with some incidents of violence and technical glitches with EVMs.
• 7-phase elections to conclude on June 1, with vote counting on June 4.