The big Indian general elections are nearing their conclusion, with the results set to be announced on June 4.Â
Punjab on June 1 recorded about 55.98% voter turnout respectively for the 2024 Lok Sabha election till 10 p.m., all registering a drop in comparison to the 2019 Parliamentary election.
In the 2024 election, Punjab saw an overall 55.98% voter turnout for the 13 Lok Sabha seats, which in 2019 was 65.94%. Punjab is witnessing a four-cornered electoral battle between the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which came to power with a thumping majority in the State in 2022, its key challenger, the Congress, besides Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and the Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP).
Punjab has 13 parliamentary constituencies and 117 Assembly segments. The low voter turnout in the elections has raised concerns about voter engagement and participation in the state. The final voting results showed that only 10 assembly segments (8.5 per cent) recorded a polling percentage of 70 per cent or higher, highlighting the difficulties in mobilising voters across Punjab.
The difference between the expected voter turnout and the actual participation emphasises the importance of improving voter education, awareness campaigns, and logistical support to increase civic engagement. However, Punjab has made significant efforts under the Election Commission to address voter apathy.
