Lok Sabha Elections 2024: The first and second phase of voting for the 18th Parliament elections has ended. On April 19, the first phase of polling was held for 102 constituencies in 21 states and Union Territories. An average of 63 percent polling was recorded in the first phase. On April 26, elections were held for 88 seats in 12 states and one union territory. 63.5 percent polling was recorded in the second phase. The polling percentage was low in both the phases. In this context, there is a discussion about who will gain and who will lose from the reduced polling.
Concern in parties..
The low turnout in the parliamentary elections is putting tension on the political parties. If we look at the polling percentages state wise, in the second phase Tripura recorded the highest voting percentage of 78.63 percent. Maharashtra, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh recorded the lowest voter turnout of only 54 percent. In Assam, 70.68 percent voters exercised their right to vote. 73.05 percent voting was done in Chhattisgarh, 71.63 percent in Jammu and Kashmir, 67 percent and 65.28 percent in Karnataka and Kerala. A total of 56.60 percent voters cast their votes in Madhya Pradesh. In West Bengal, 71.84 percent voters exercised their right to vote. In Rajasthan, 63.74 percent of voters cast their vote, while in Manipur, 77.18 percent voted. Tripura East recorded the highest polling of 78.1 percent. 45.9 percent voting was done in Rewa constituency in Madhya Pradesh.
Why low voting?
Low turnout is not good for democracy. It is said to be a sign of apathy among the voters. If we look at the 17th Lok Sabha elections, the polling has decreased five times. As a result, the government changed four times. In this background, analysts suggest to the EC and all the parties to ensure that the polling percentage increases in the remaining 5 phases.
Which party will benefit from the decrease?
If this is the case, analysts say that the decrease in polling percentage will benefit the ruling party in any election. It is estimated that the recent drop in polling is likely to benefit the BJP. It is stated that if there is opposition, the voters will vote against the rulers. It is expected that the polling percentage will decrease because there is not much opposition to the ruling party. But the results will be clear on June 4.
