The third phase of voting for the 18th Lok Sabha elections in Assam concluded on June 1, 2024, marking the end of an intense campaign period. Over the course of three phases, from April 19 to May 7, the state saw a remarkable voter turnout of 81.63% out of the 2.45 crore registered voters across its 14 constituencies. This election season has been one of the most eagerly anticipated in the state, with numerous political heavyweights vying for a seat in the Lok Sabha.
The first phase of polling, held on April 19, set the tone for what would be a high-stakes electoral battle. A robust 78.25% of voters participated, determined to cast their ballots and decide the fate of 35 candidates competing in the Kaziranga, Jorhat, Dibrugarh, Sonitpur, and Lakhimpur constituencies. The high voter turnout was indicative of the political engagement and enthusiasm among the electorate. These constituencies are known for their diverse demographic profiles, which adds layers of complexity to the voting patterns.
Moving into the second phase on April 26, Karimganj, Silchar(SC), Diphu (ST), Nagaon, and Darrang-Udalguri constituencies saw an even higher turnout, with 81.17% of voters exercising their democratic rights. This phase was particularly significant as it included seats reserved for Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST), areas where issues related to social justice, development, and representation in governance are often at the forefront of voters’ minds.
The third and final phase on May 7 saw the highest voter turnout yet, at a staggering 85.45%. The tremendous participation highlighted the electorate’s eagerness to influence the political future of the state. This phase featured some of the most watched constituencies, making it a critical juncture for all political parties involved.
Among the prominent candidates are Bijuli Kalita Medhi from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Mira Barthakur Goswami representing Congress, Gaurav Gogoi from the Indian National Congress (INC) in Jorhat, and Joyanta Basymatary from the United People’s Party (UPP) in Kokrajhar.
. BJP, Congress, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), and several regional parties have been the major players in this electoral battle, each pushing hard to secure a significant number of seats.
There has been a great deal of speculation and analysis about which party will emerge victorious. The BJP, aiming to maintain its dominance, has faced stiff competition from Congress, which has been striving to regain its influence in Assam. The AAP and regional parties have also been vigorously campaigning, hoping to capitalize on local issues and sentiments.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has meticulously planned the election process to ensure it is smooth and transparent. The much-anticipated results of the Assam Lok Sabha elections 2024 will be announced on Tuesday, June 4. The counting of votes, which will start at 8 am, will be conducted collectively across the country. As the votes are tallied, Assam will learn who its parliamentary representatives will be alongside the rest of India’s revelations.
Local issues like flood management, unemployment, development projects, and ethnic harmony have been pivotal in this election. Candidates and political parties have outlined various plans and promises in their manifestos, trying to resonate with the electorate’s demands and concerns. The voters’ choices will reflect their perspectives on these issues and the parties’ ability to address them effectively.
The high voter turnout across all three phases is seen as a positive sign of democratic health. Analysts suggest that this could be a reflection of the public’s increasing awareness and involvement in the democratic process. The enthusiasm of the voters, from urban centers to remote villages, underscores the significance they place on these elections.
The results on June 4 are expected to be a turning point for Assam. As the political landscape gets set for a reshuffle, all eyes will be on the announcements, determining the future course for the state. The people of Assam, through their considerable participation, have already demonstrated their commitment to shaping their political destiny, setting a vibrant example of democracy in action.
