India Soon To Become Nation With 1 Bn Voters, Count Over 99 Crores: ECI During Delhi Poll Date Announcement

Currently, the country has over 99 crore registered voters, with more than 48 crore of them being women.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar (File Image)

Source : PTI

During the announcement of the Delhi Assembly election date, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar announced on Tuesday that India is on track to become the first democratic country to have 1 billion registered voters. As per CEC, currently, the country has over 99 crore registered voters, with more than 48 crores of them being women. The voter base is expected to cross the 100-crore mark soon. 

2025, scaling new heights for democracy!

India’s electorate grows to over 990 million.#DelhiElections2025 is set to witness greater than ever participation.

— Election Commission of India (@ECISVEEP) January 7, 2025

In his press conference, Rajiv Kumar emphasized the importance of voter participation, saying, "It is a call to action for citizens to continue participating in the democratic process and contribute to making the nation stronger by casting their votes. Each vote adds beauty to the democratic garden, ensuring a brighter future for the country."

ALSO ON ABP LIVE | Delhi Elections 2025 — Religion, Caste & Socioeconomic Class Make A Complex Cocktail

EVM Prepared, Sealed 7-8 Days Before Polling: CEC Rajiv Kumar  

Chief Election Commissioner, during his press conference in New Delhi today, provided further insights into the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) preparation process. Discarding the hacking allegations, he said that EVMs are thoroughly checked seven to eight days before the polling date. On the same day, new batteries are inserted, and the machines are sealed and stored securely.

READ | Delhi Polls: Election Commissioner Counters AAP's 'Addition And Deletion Of Electoral Roll' Claim  

"The EVM seal is broken only on the day of polling," Rajiv Kumar explained. "A mock poll is conducted in the morning before voting begins to ensure the machines are functioning properly. Throughout the day, detailed records are maintained of who voted," he added.  

"After polling concludes, the EVMs are returned to the storage room, where they remain sealed. Counting begins only after verifying Form 17C, which contains the details of polling. This rigorous process ensures transparency and integrity in the election system," the CEC said.