India’s General Election 2024 has set new records and demonstrated the strength of its democratic processes. From unprecedented voter turnout to inspiring participation from senior citizens, here are five fascinating facts about the election that highlight its significance and impact.
1. World’s Highest Voter Turnout
India recorded the highest voter turnout in the world during the Lok Sabha elections, with Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar announcing a record 642 million voters participating. This massive turnout surpasses the combined voter numbers of all G7 countries by 1.5 times and the 27 European Union countries by 2.5 times. Kumar aptly described the Indian elections as “a miracle,” underscoring the unparalleled scale and enthusiasm of the Indian electorate.
2. Historic Women Voter Participation
The election saw an extraordinary number of women voters, with 312 million women casting their votes. This figure exceeds the total number of women voters in the most recent national elections across all EU countries. The high participation rate among women reflects a growing engagement and empowerment within the Indian democratic process, marking a significant milestone in gender representation in voting.
3. Inspiring Participation of Elderly Voters
One of the standout aspects of the 2024 elections was the active involvement of elderly voters, particularly those aged 85 and above. CEC Rajiv Kumar praised their dedication, highlighting their role as inspirational figures for younger generations. These senior voters, who have witnessed India’s journey from pre-independence to the present day, showcased their enduring commitment to shaping the nation’s future.
4. Significant Reduction in Repolls
The 2024 elections experienced a notable reduction in the number of repolls required. There were only 39 repolls compared to 540 in 2019, with 25 of these repolls occurring in just two states. This significant decrease is attributed to the meticulous work of the election personnel, ensuring smoother and more accurate polling processes. The efficiency and integrity of the election were upheld, demonstrating the effectiveness of the measures implemented by the Election Commission.
5. Record Seizure of Illicit Assets
To maintain the integrity of the elections, the Election Commission made a record seizure of nearly Rs 10,000 crores, almost three times the amount seized in 2019. This action was part of a broader effort to tackle issues such as muscle power, money, misinformation, and violations of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC). Local teams were empowered to enforce these measures, ensuring free, fair, and transparent elections.
