Jharkhand First Phase Assembly Elections: A Crucial Test for Political Parties
The first phase of the Jharkhand Legislative Assembly election, held on November 13, 2024, witnessed a high-stakes contest across 43 constituencies in the state. With 15,344 polling booths set up to accommodate the large electorate, this phase marked a critical moment in the state’s electoral calendar, as it set the stage for the subsequent rounds of voting that would ultimately decide the political fate of the state for the next five years.
Overview of the Election
Jharkhand, which has 81 seats in its Legislative Assembly, was undergoing elections in two phases in total. The first phase, covering 43 constituencies in various districts of the state, was particularly significant due to the presence of several key political leaders and parties vying for control of the state government.
The voting in this phase took place across districts such as Koderma, Latehar, Khunti, Saraikella, Chaibasa, Kharsawa, Gumla, Simdega, Lonardaga, Garwa, Hazaribagh, and Ranchi, with a significant tribal population in many areas. The elections were held amidst concerns over security, voter turnout, and the socio-political dynamics in the state.
Electoral Process and Polling Booths
With 15,344 polling booths spread across the constituencies, ensuring smooth and transparent voting was a massive logistical challenge. These booths were equipped with Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), and security arrangements were tightened in sensitive areas to prevent any untoward incidents.
Polling started early in the morning and continued until late evening. In areas with difficult terrain or underdeveloped infrastructure, special provisions were made to ensure that no voter was left out. The Election Commission set up Voter Awareness Campaigns to educate people about the voting process, while also addressing issues of electoral fraud and ensuring that the election was as fair as possible.
