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.
"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.
ALSO READ: Kangana Ranaut To Yusuf Pathan — Key Debutants Vie For Victory In Lok Sabha Election 2024
"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.
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.