'Elections Belong To You': CEC Ravi Kumar's Message Ahead Of First Phase Of Lok Sabha Polling

CEC Ravi Kumar in his released video message declared that voting is "nothing like voting" and that elections are the most beautiful expression of Indian democracy.

File photo of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar.

On the eve of the first phase of the Lok Sabha Elections, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar on Thursday urged voters to exercise their franchise adding that a single vote has made a critical difference during elections.

In a video message, he declared that voting is "nothing like voting" and that elections are the most beautiful expression of Indian democracy. In view of the heatwave, Kumar emphasised people to take all precautions. "But I know the spirit of the Indian voter will beat the summer heat," he said.

Listen to CEC Rajiv Kumar and don’t let the heat stop you from voting! ✨

You can #GoVote in comfort at our Polling Stations

Watch the complete video at: https://t.co/zidBqm0yng#ChunavKaParv #DeshKaGarv #Elections2024 pic.twitter.com/knemtKaS6E

— Election Commission of India (@ECISVEEP) April 18, 2024

"In our great democracy, elections belong to you, the choice belongs to you... you are deciding the government. You are doing it for your sake, for your family and children, for your village or town and, of course, for the country," he also said.

"I call upon the youth to lead a revolution in electoral participation," the chief election commissioner said as he urged people to cast their ballot. He reminded people that they should never underestimate the power of "your one vote". There are many instances, when one vote has mattered in a critical contest, "Kumar added.

We're all set to welcome you with our assured minimum facilities. Are you ready to vote?

Watch the complete video at: https://t.co/K2MLr82Hcb#ChunavKaParv #DeshKaGarv #Elections2024 pic.twitter.com/UbgNSPvn88

— Election Commission of India (@ECISVEEP) April 18, 2024

First Phase Of Elections

The first phase of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections will begin on Friday, with 102 seats spread across 21 states, and UTs. Assembly elections for Sikkim's 32 seats and Arunachal Pradesh's 60 seats will take place concurrently.

During this phase, over 16.63 crore voters are qualified to cast ballots. There are 8,4 crore male voters, 8.23 crore female voters, and 11,371 third-gender voters. There are 3.51 crore young voters in the 20–29 age group in addition to 35.67 lakh first-time voters.