The second phase of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections saw a 56.05% voter turnout, with international observers present for the first time since the insurgency. While the turnout was lower than in 2014 for most constituencies, the elections proceeded peacefully.
The first phase of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections saw a strong voter turnout of 61.38%, with the highest turnout recorded in Kishtwar district. The elections, held across seven districts, marked the first Assembly polls in the region since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. This article provides a detailed breakdown of voter turnout across different constituencies.
Pop star Taylor Swift’s recent endorsement of Kamala Harris has sparked discussions about her potential influence on the US presidential elections. While her past endorsements have shown an ability to drive voter turnout, especially among young people, experts are divided on whether her support can sway voters’ decisions.
Algeria’s presidential election saw a low voter turnout and allegations of irregularities. The frontrunner, President Abdulmadjid Tebboune, is expected to win a second term, but a challenger has accused officials of inflating results. Despite the low turnout, the election is seen as a significant event for the country, which is undergoing a period of political and economic transition.
A new study from Harvard University reveals that celebrities have a significant impact on voter turnout and can influence elections. The study analyzes how celebrities engage in political activism, finding they can rally supporters, raise funds, and increase awareness. While some argue celebrities’ influence is limited, the research highlights the potential of leveraging their platform for positive civic engagement.
The first phase of the Lok Sabha elections in Tamil Nadu witnessed a voter turnout of 69.72% across all 39 constituencies, with the main competition being between the INDIA alliance led by DMK, the AIADMK-led alliance, and the BJP-led NDA. The AIADMK alliance includes AIADMK contesting 32 seats and DMDK contesting 5 seats, while the NDA comprises BJP contesting 19 seats and PMK contesting 10 seats. Other parties contesting in all 39 constituencies include NTK and BSP.
Odisha’s Lok Sabha polling concluded after four phases, with a total voter turnout of 75.68% in phase four, 73.50% in phase five, 74.45% in phase six, and 70.67% in phase seven. The state also witnessed its state assembly election simultaneously, with Biju Janata Dal (BJD), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and Indian National Congress (INC) vying for power.
Chief Election Commissioner Rajeev Kumar has acknowledged the tragic loss of 33 polling staff due to heatwaves during the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections, a factor which significantly affected voter turnout. In a press conference on the eve of vote counting, Kumar emphasized the need to conduct future elections before the onset of intense heat, with the next Lok Sabha polls to be completed by April 2029. The commission plans to initiate the electoral process in Jammu and Kashmir shortly.
Form 17C, mandated by the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961, plays a crucial role in verifying election details in India. This form captures crucial information from each polling booth, including the number of votes cast and the number of voters who participated. Candidates use this data to cross-check the results during counting, ensuring transparency and accuracy in the electoral process.
In an effort to encourage voter turnout, numerous hotels and restaurants in Ludhiana, Punjab, have pledged to offer a 25% discount on lunch and dinner bills on June 1, the day of the seventh phase of India’s general elections, if voters present their ink-marked fingers. The initiative, spearheaded by the district administration and led by Additional District Election Officer-cum-Additional Deputy Commissioner Amit Sareen, aims to reach a 70% voter turnout in the Lok Sabha elections.
