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The 2024 Lok Sabha elections in Uttar Pradesh are set to mark a significant change as the Election Commission of India (ECI) announces the establishment of polling stations within high-rise apartments and gated colonies for the first time in the state’s history. With 80 Lok Sabha seats at stake, Uttar Pradesh holds immense political importance, and this move aims to facilitate easier access to voting for the electorate.
Chief Electoral Officer Navdeep Rinwa disclosed that Uttar Pradesh leads the nation with the highest number of polling stations situated within high-rise complexes and gated communities. A total of 217 such locations have been identified, with notable concentrations in areas like Dadri, Noida, Sahibabad, and Muradnagar.
The arrangements made by the ECI for voters are comprehensive, ensuring a seamless voting experience. Approximately 82,000 polling stations will feature live webcasting facilities, while all polling stations will be located on the ground floor for accessibility. Moreover, provisions such as wheelchairs, ramps, adequate lighting, drinking water, and assistance desks have been made to accommodate voters, ensuring a hassle-free electoral process.
Efforts have been made to ensure that no voter has to travel more than 2 kilometers to reach their designated polling station, emphasizing the importance of accessibility and convenience in democratic participation.
With 34 crore eligible voters in Uttar Pradesh, the elections will be conducted in seven phases starting from April 19. This phased approach extends across multiple states and Union Territories, with Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal witnessing elections in seven phases.
Key dates and constituencies have been outlined, highlighting the distribution of voting across various phases. Notable constituencies such as Varanasi and Gorakhpur are slated for polling in the final phase, adding to the anticipation surrounding the elections.
The conclusion of the voting process will lead to the counting of votes on June 4, with the 2019 results serving as a backdrop to the electoral landscape. The BJP emerged victorious in the previous elections, securing a majority of seats, while other parties made significant gains within the alliance framework.
As the electoral machinery gears up for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections in Uttar Pradesh, the inclusion of polling stations within high-rise apartments and gated colonies reflects a commitment to enhancing voter accessibility and participation in the democratic process.
