ECI Hosts Conference to Boost Voter Turnout in 2024 Lok Sabha Elections

New Delhi, 6th April. In a pioneering move, the Election Commission of India (ECI) organized a ‘Conference on Low Voter Turnout’ today, aimed at bolstering voter participation in Parliamentary Constituencies (PCs) with historically low turnout rates.

Held at Nirvachan Sadan, New Delhi, the event brought together Municipal Commissioners from major cities and select District Election Officers (DEOs) from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh to strategize ways to enhance voter engagement.

Key Highlights:

• Turnout Implementation Plan: A detailed plan has been devised for 266 urban and rural PCs to implement targeted interventions.

• CEC’s Directive: Chief Election Commissioner Shri Rajiv Kumar emphasized creating a voter movement where citizens are self-motivated to participate in elections.

• Concerning Statistics: 11 States/UTs, including Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, recorded a voter turnout lower than the national average of 67.40% in the 2019 Lok Sabha Elections.

• Strategy Emphasis: CEC Kumar underscored a three-pronged approach: facilitation at polling stations, targeted outreach, and stakeholder involvement.

• Customized Strategies: Municipal Commissioners and DEOs were urged to tailor strategies for urban and rural areas, acknowledging diverse demographics.

• Innovative Campaigns: Various voter awareness campaigns were outlined, including utilizing public transport, collaborating with RWAs, and leveraging social media.

Collaborative Effort: The conference, a collaborative endeavor between the ECI and stakeholders, focused on crafting a comprehensive action plan to address voter apathy and increase turnout. Discussions centered on optimizing queue management, facilitating voting in high-rise buildings, and leveraging voter education programs.

Inclusive Approach: Municipal Commissioners and DEOs were encouraged to develop tailored outreach programs that resonate with the unique needs of their constituencies. Urban-specific hurdles were identified, and city-specific interventions were planned to tackle them effectively.

Virtual Participation: The conference saw the participation of Municipal Commissioners from major cities and select DEOs from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, along with CEOs of several states joining virtually.

Background: The initiative comes in the wake of approximately 297 million eligible voters abstaining from voting in the 2019 Lok Sabha Elections, indicating a pressing need for proactive measures. Recent trends of urban apathy towards elections have further underscored the importance of targeted interventions and collaborative efforts.

The Conference marks a pivotal step towards fostering a vibrant democracy by ensuring broader participation in the electoral process.