ECI Holds Conference to Address Low Voter Turnout Ahead of 2024 Lok Sabha Elections
In an unprecedented move aimed at boosting voter turnout, the Election Commission of India (ECI) organized a ‘Conference on Low Voter Turnout’ today, bringing together Municipal Commissioners and District Election Officers (DEOs) from select districts. The objective was to strategize and implement targeted interventions to increase voter participation in the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha Elections.
Chaired by Chief Election Commissioner Shri Rajiv Kumar, along with Election Commissioners Shri Gyanesh Kumar and Shri Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, the conference witnessed deliberations on enhancing voter engagement and participation in identified urban and rural Parliamentary Constituencies (PCs). A key highlight of the event was the release of a booklet on voter apathy by the Commission.
Addressing the gathering, CEC Shri Rajiv Kumar highlighted the importance of addressing voter apathy in constituencies with historically low turnout. A total of 266 Parliamentary Constituencies, comprising 215 Rural and 51 Urban PCs, were identified for targeted interventions. CEC Kumar stressed on the need for a multi-faceted approach, focusing on facilitation at polling stations, targeted outreach, and involvement of critical stakeholders.
The conference emphasized the preparation of booth-wise action plans tailored to the unique needs of urban and rural areas. Municipal Commissioners and DEOs were urged to devise strategies to instil pride among voters and create a self-motivated voting culture. The ECI underscored the significance of collaborative efforts in streamlining logistical operations and increasing voter turnout.
Discussions revolved around optimizing queue management, facilitating voting in high-rise buildings, and leveraging influential voter education programmes. The ECI outlined innovative awareness campaigns, including the incorporation of election messages into public transport vehicles and utility bills, collaboration with Resident Welfare Associations, and organizing engaging events in public spaces.
The conference witnessed the participation of Municipal Commissioners from major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad, alongside select District Election Officers from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. CEOs from various states also attended, both in person and virtually, underscoring the collaborative spirit driving efforts to enhance voter turnout ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections.
