In a noteworthy development ahead of the impending Lok Sabha elections scheduled between April and May, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has revealed a significant milestone with a record-breaking 96.88 crore voters registering to exercise their franchise.
The ECI’s announcement comes after an extensive Special Summary Revision 2024 (SSR 2024), showcasing a commendable 6 percent increase in voter registration since the 2019 general elections. Particularly striking is the addition of over two crore young voters aged 18-29, underscoring a heightened interest and participation among the youth demographic.
The electoral rolls now include data from newly delineated constituencies in Jammu and Kashmir and Assam, a result of the delimitation process. This inclusion reflects the Commission’s commitment to accommodating demographic shifts and ensuring accurate representation.
In addition to the overall surge in voter registration, the gender ratio has seen a positive uptick, rising from 940 in 2023 to 948 in 2024. The ECI attributes this improvement to its focus on transparency, purity, and health of the electoral roll, emphasizing the importance of disclosure in the revision process.
One noteworthy aspect is the ECI’s special efforts to achieve 100 percent registration of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTG), making the electoral rolls the most inclusive to date.
As the nation gears up for the Lok Sabha elections, these figures not only signify a robust democratic process but also reflect a broader civic engagement, setting the stage for a crucial democratic exercise in the coming months. Stay tuned for further updates on India 2024.
With inputs from PTI.